Oak Felling in Zagros: Offenders Arrested After 68 Trees Cut Down

Khorramabad – The commander of the Natural Resources Protection Unit of Khorramabad County announced the identification and arrest of two suspects in connection with the illegal felling of 68 oak trees in forest lands of the south-central district of the county.

Sefir Arjan - Provinces Group: Protecting forests and pastures as part of the country's natural and environmental assets requires continuous monitoring, field presence of protection forces and legal action against offenders who damage natural resources by illegally cutting trees and smuggling forest products.

In this regard, the forces of the Natural Resources Protection Unit of Khorram Abad city, in cooperation with law enforcement agents, during targeted patrols and information follow-ups in the forest lands of the southern central part of Khorram Abad, succeeded in identifying and arresting two accused persons related to the cutting of oak trees and wood smuggling.

Cutting down 68 oak trees in forest lands

Afshin Azizi, the commander of the natural resources protection unit of Khorram Abad city, told the media on Wednesday afternoon: The investigations showed that the accused have illegally cut down 68 oak trees in this area. An action that can have significant environmental consequences for the forest and the ecosystem of the region.

Oak trees are one of the valuable species of Zagros forests, and the protection of this vegetation plays an important role in maintaining biodiversity, soil stability and protection of natural resources. Therefore, dealing with the illegal cutting of trees and the illegal transfer and supply of wood is one of the axes of activity of the forces of the Natural Resources Protection Unit.

Seizure of vehicles carrying smuggled wood

Referring to the findings of this operation, the Commander of the Natural Resources Protection Unit of Khorram Abad city added: During the action of security and law enforcement forces, two vehicles that were used to transport smuggled wood were seized and taken to the parking lot.

According to Azizi, a chainsaw, which was used for cutting trees according to the initial report, was also seized.

These measures have been taken with the aim of preventing the offenders from continuing their activities and completing the documentation of the case.

Azizi continued: Two of the main accused related to tree cutting and wood smuggling were arrested and after filing a preliminary case, they were presented to the judicial authorities for legal procedures.

The investigation of this case will be done within the framework of the legal regulations and the determination of the final responsibility of the defendants and their possible punishment is the responsibility of the judicial authorities.

Intensification of monitoring of Khorram Abad forest areas

In the continuation of this report, Mohammad Narimani also emphasized on the continuation and intensification of round-the-clock monitoring in the critical and forest areas of the city and demanded legal action against violations related to the destruction of natural resources and smuggling of forest products.

According to the announcement of the natural resources of the city, the legal follow-up of violation cases and coordination between the protection unit, the legal unit, and law enforcement and judicial bodies are on the agenda to prevent the repetition of such violations.

Warning to offenders and requests from citizens

Emphasizing the importance of protecting forests and pastures as the natural heritage of future generations, Afshin Azizi announced that the fight against illegal cutting of trees and wood smuggling will continue with the cooperation of the responsible agencies.

He also asked the citizens, local communities and nature lovers to inform the Natural Resources Protection Unit if they see any unauthorized cutting of trees, destruction of natural areas, seizure of national lands, or smuggling of wood and charcoal, through forest and pasture relief numbers, 1504 and 139.

This operation once again reminds the importance of continuous monitoring of the forest areas of Zagros and the cooperation of the people with the protection forces in dealing with the destruction of natural resources; Because protecting oak trees and preventing wood smuggling, in addition to protecting vegetation, also plays a role in maintaining the environmental balance and natural resources of the region.