Madikeri Division Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) B B Mallesh has ordered shoot at sight at the timber thieves in the reserve forest.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, he said to illegal timber transporters will be shot at the spot if they were caught while felling the trees in the reserve forest. Details of the professional timber thieves are being collected.
He said trees worth lakhs of rupees are found in the six acres of reserve forest in Dubare region. There is a need to preserve such trees. In the backdrop of illegal timber transportation, the number of staff in the forest department will be increased. Wireless sets will be provided to the forest department staff.
Grama Aranya Samithi will be formed in Maldare, Ontiyangadi, Thithimathi and Piriyapattana to keep an eye on the movement of timber thieves.
