Wildlife group demands probe into alleged sandalwood theft from Kerala forest

The Animals and Nature Ethics Community (ANEC) Trust has sought an official inquiry into suspected theft and unauthorised felling of sandalwood trees from the Nenmara forest reserve in Kerala. The conservation group expressed serious concerns about the apparent breach in forest security and the adequacy of existing protection mechanisms in the region.

Sandalwood, one of India's most valuable forest resources, has long been a target for illegal logging due to its high market demand. The alleged incident highlights persistent challenges in preventing unauthorised timber extraction from protected forest areas across the country.

ANEC Trust's demand for investigation underscores growing concerns among environmental organisations about enforcement gaps in forest management. The group has called for a comprehensive review of security protocols and monitoring systems at the Nenmara forest to prevent future incidents of illegal felling and theft.

The matter comes at a time when forest departments across India have intensified efforts to combat illegal timber trade and unauthorised tree felling in protected areas. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the allegations or the status of any investigation into the suspected sandalwood theft.