Timber smuggling up
Lahan, Jan 28: Timber smugglers have stepped up their illegal activities in Siraha in recent months taking advantage of the agitation enforced by United Democratic Madhesi Front.
The timber smuggling has increased in Siraha with the closure of the District Forest Office, absence of employees at Area Forest Office and Range Posts and police getting highway-centric due to Madhesi agitation.
It is noted that the trees cut down in Chure forest areas of Udayapur and Siraha districts are being smuggled in different areas of Siraha district.
District Assistant Forest Officer Amarendra Yadav admitted the growing incidents of timber smuggling against the backdrop of agitation and shutdown.