Press Release by Gangtok Territorial Division, Forest and Environment Department
ILLEGAL TIMBER TRANSIT INTERCEPTED BY GANGTOK TERRITORIAL FOREST DIVISION
GANGTOK, 9th July 2026: Acting on credible information from local public sources regarding illicit transit of timber, the Gangtok Range of Gangtok (Territorial) Division, Forest and Environment Department, successfully apprehended an individual following a meticulously planned operation.
The interception took place on 3rd July 2026 at 21:00 hrs near Khelground, Reshithang Bridge, Ranka. The night patrol team was led by Mr. Binod Chettri, Range Officer (T), Gangtok.
During the inspection, a timber consignment was recovered. The cargo was being transported illegally, lacking both a valid transit permit and the mandatory official timber hammer mark. Consequently, the vehicle and timber were seized and placed in safe custody at the Range Office, Forest Colony Baluwakhani, Gangtok.
A Forest Offence case was subsequently registered under the relevant sections of the Sikkim Forests, Water Courses, River Reserve (Preservation and Protection) Act, 1988. The accused admitted to committing the offence and requested for compounding of the matter. The competent authority compounded the offence under Section 74 of the Act. A penalty of ₹4,45,000/- was imposed and successfully realised as Government revenue.
In the interest of conserving and protecting the rich ecological wealth of Sikkim, Forest and Environment Department, Government of Sikkim, appeals to the public to abide by the state's existing forest laws and to discreetly share any information regarding forest offences. The Forest Department also has a toll-free number 1926 for the convenience of the general public.
