Khordha, Dec 3: Acting on a tip-off, the Forest Wing of Odisha Vigilance conducted a joint raid on Tuesday at two illegal sawmills operating in Khordha district, seizing timber and machinery valued at ₹25 lakh.

The operation took place in Bhubanpur and Gargara villages, located under the Balipatna police jurisdiction, where officials discovered sawmill equipment and timber that had been processed without proper authorization.

Preliminary investigations revealed that both sawmills were operating without the mandatory license, in clear violation of Section 4 of the Orissa Sawmill and Sawpit (Control) Act, 1991.

Following the seizure, two forest offence cases were registered under the Balipatna Range of the Khordha Forest Division. Authorities have launched further investigations to identify those responsible for the illegal operations and trace the source of the timber.

The crackdown is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal timber trade and safeguard forest resources. Officials have reiterated their commitment to addressing such violations to protect the environment and ensure the sustainable management of Odisha's forest wealth.