Cuttack: Odisha Vigilance’s forest wing raided an illegal sawmill in Kadampada village under 42 Mouza police station in Cuttack district on Monday, seizing timber and machinery worth nearly Rs 11 lakh.
Acting on a tip‑off, officials launched a joint operation to dismantle the unlicensed facility. Investigators said the raid uncovered sawmill appliances along with 136.844 cubic feet of valuable timber. The seized stock was valued at Rs 10,98,639. Officials confirmed that the sawmill operated without a valid license, violating forest and environmental regulations.
The operation formed part of Vigilance’s ongoing crackdown on illegal timber trade across Odisha. Forest wing officers emphasised that such activities not only cause revenue loss but also threaten ecological balance.
Authorities sealed the sawmill and documented the seized materials. Officials assured that further investigation will identify individuals responsible for running the facility and determine the extent of the illegal trade network.
Local residents reported that the sawmill had been operating for months despite lacking authorisation. The raid has drawn attention to the need for stricter monitoring of forest resources in Cuttack and the surrounding areas.