Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Illegal Timber Trade Flourishes in Chittoor District
In Chittoor district, near the Tamil Nadu border, people are cutting down and smuggling valuable trees like teak and tamarind.
These trees are worth a lot of money, so people are doing it even though it's against the law.
The trees are being taken to brick kilns that need firewood.
Locals say the authorities aren't stopping this illegal activity, but the Forest department says they will start checking more and working with the police to stop it.
Illegal timber trade is flourishing in Chittoor district, particularly along the Tamil Nadu border.
Valuable trees like teak, tamarind, and neem are being felled and smuggled, with high profitability driving the trade.
The activity is concentrated in specific mandals and supplies timber to local brick kilns.
Locals allege lack of enforcement and monitoring, with timber-laden vehicles passing through frequently without proper checks.
Forest department officials promise to intensify surveillance and coordinate with police to prevent illegal tree felling and transportation.
- Who
- Locals, timber smugglers, Forest department officials
- What
- Illegal timber trade and felling of valuable trees
- When
- Ongoing, with recent allegations and responses
- Where
- Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, along the Tamil Nadu border
- Why
- High profitability due to rising timber prices and demand from brick kilns
Locals and Environmentalists
Forest Department Officials
Enforcement of Regulations
Locals and Environmentalists
Locals allege that illegal timber trade is rampant due to lack of enforcement and monitoring, with timber-laden vehicles passing through frequently without proper checks.
Forest Department Officials
Forest department officials claim they will intensify surveillance, step up patrolling, and coordinate with police and revenue officials to prevent illegal tree felling and transportation.
- Location
- Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, along the Tamil Nadu border
- Tree Species Involved
- Teak, tamarind, neem, eucalyptus, mango, Indian ash
- Value of Timber
- A tractor load of teak worth several lakh rupees, other timber between ₹25,000 and ₹40,000
- Legal Requirements
- Prior permission from Revenue and Forest authorities, payment of ₹500 challan for transport
- Affected Areas
- Yadamari, Gudipala, G.D. Nellore, Palasamudram, S.R. Puram, Nagari, Bangarupalem, Palamaner, Baireddipalle, V. Kota, Kuppam mandals