Why in news?
Forest officials in Uttar Pradesh have arrested four people for illegally felling khair trees in the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary. The accused were caught carrying logs from the protected area, and more suspects are being pursued. Such activities threaten the sanctuary’s delicate ecosystems and violate India’s forest and wildlife laws.
Background
Established in 1986, the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary covers around 2,073 square kilometres along the Ganges and its tributaries in the districts of Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Ghaziabad, Bijnor, Hapur and Amroha. The sanctuary consists of tall grasslands, wetlands and riparian forests on the river’s floodplains. It provides habitat for the state animal — the swamp deer (barasingha) — as well as hog deer, cheetal, sambar, nilgai, leopards, smooth‑coated otters, the endangered Ganges river dolphin and the gharial. More than 100 species of birds, including raptors and wading birds, nest or migrate through the area. Farmers cultivate sugarcane, rice, wheat and maize in pockets within the sanctuary.
The incident
- Illegal logging: A gang was found cutting khair trees (Acacia catechu), which are valued for producing kattha (catechu) used in mouth fresheners and dyes. They transported the logs by tractor from the Arjun and Draupadi forest blocks.
- Law enforcement: Forest officials seized the vehicles and timber and arrested four perpetrators. The case has been registered under the Indian Forest Act (1927) and the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), which impose heavy penalties for felling trees and transporting forest produce from protected areas.
- Ongoing investigation: A special team is searching for other members of the group. Authorities have increased patrols and are engaging local villagers to report suspicious activities.
Conservation challenges
Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary faces pressure from encroachment, poaching, logging and pollution from upstream industries. Illegal extraction of timber and sand degrades habitats and threatens species dependent on riverine ecosystems. Conservation measures include strengthening law enforcement, promoting community participation in eco‑development activities and restoring degraded patches with native vegetation. Ensuring sustainable livelihoods for nearby communities can reduce dependence on forest resources.
Sources: The Print report on illegal tree felling in Hastinapur sanctuary · General information on Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary