Indian Sandalwood Seizure: Forest Guards Crack Down on Illegal Trade in Rishikesh

Key Points

* Forest guards in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, have seized a significant quantity of Indian sandalwood, a valuable and protected species. * The seizure came during a raid on a house where the sandalwood was being illegally stored and processed. * The estimated value of the seized sandalwood is around 100 million rupees (approximately $1.3 million).

Detailed Report

On Wednesday, July 26th, 2023, a team of forest guards from the Uttarakhand Forest Department conducted a raid on a house in Rishikesh, based on a tip-off about illegal sandalwood trade. Upon entering the premises, the guards discovered a large cache of Indian sandalwood logs and chips, estimated to be worth approximately 100 million rupees ($1.3 million). The sandalwood was found concealed in various parts of the house, including a hidden room and a secret compartment in a truck parked outside. The guards also seized equipment used for processing the sandalwood, such as saws and cutters. Indian sandalwood is a highly prized and protected species, known for its distinctive fragrance and medicinal properties. It is native to the southern Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, and is listed as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The illegal trade of Indian sandalwood is a major concern in India, as the species is facing severe population decline due to overexploitation and habitat loss. The seizure of such a large quantity of sandalwood in Rishikesh highlights the extent of the illegal trade and the urgent need to address it. The forest guards have arrested two individuals who were present at the house during the raid. The suspects are being interrogated, and further investigations are ongoing to identify their accomplices and the source of the sandalwood. The successful seizure is a testament to the vigilance and dedication of the Uttarakhand Forest Department in protecting endangered species and combating illegal wildlife trade.