KATHUA: In its continuous drive against the illegal smuggling and transportation of firewood and other forest produce across the Kathua border, the Forest Department seized two vehicles bearing registration numbers JK02CG-8757 and JK08R-9695 at Hatli Morh, Kathua last night. In a separate operation conducted today morning, another truck bearing registration number JK02BF-3505 was seized at Toll Post, Lakhanpur.
The seizure operations were carried out by the Block Officer, Headquarters; the Range Officer; and the Range Officer, APCP Lakhanpur, under the overall supervision of Divisional Forest Officer Jhansi N.
Cases have been registered against the defaulters for violations of Sections 26, 41, 42, and 69 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, as well as the provisions of S.O. 81 of 2020. Further investigation into the matter is underway.
Earlier on July 31, 2026, the Kathua Forest department team had seized three trucks at Barnoti for violations related to the transportation of forest produce.
These actions form part of the Department’s sustained efforts to curb the illegal movement and trade of forest produce in the region.
