Archive · 13 Dec 2025
Timber Smuggling Rampant in Rani Forest Range
In the Rani Forest Range in Assam, India, there is a big problem with people illegally cutting down trees and smuggling the wood.
Around ten trucks are used to transport the stolen timber at night to places like Palashbari, Barpeta, and Guwahati.
Some people say that certain forest officials are helping the smugglers.
This illegal activity is harming the forest and the animals that live there, like elephants.
The elephants are losing their homes and food, so they are moving into areas where people live, which is causing problems.
Many activists and local people are worried and want the government to do something to stop the smuggling and protect the forest.
Timber smugglers are operating freely in the Rani Forest Range, transporting sawn timber via around ten trucks.
Allegations suggest a collusion between smugglers and corrupt forest personnel, with timber transported at night.
Smuggled timber is supplied to destinations like Palashbari, Barpeta, and Guwahati, with some transported across the Brahmaputra.
Local activists criticize the silence of environmentalists and the lack of protection for forests on the city's periphery.
The illegal activities have led to habitat depletion, causing wild elephants to move into human settlements, leading to increased human-wildlife conflict.
- Who
- Timber smugglers, local residents, forest personnel, activists
- What
- Rampant timber smuggling and illegal transportation of sawn timber
- When
- Ongoing, with recent reports on December 13
- Where
- Rani Forest Range, Assam, India
- Why
- Alleged collusion with corrupt forest personnel and inadequate conservation measures
- Location
- Rani Forest Range, Assam
- Number of Trucks Involved
- Around 10
- Key Destinations
- Palashbari, Barpeta, Guwahati
- Key Activists Involved
- Dinesh Das, Dharani Dhar Boro, Laxman Teron, Debojit Napha
- Impact on Wildlife
- Depletion of food sources, increased human-wildlife conflict