Eight full grown sandalwood trees were cut down by smugglers so far this year at Marayour in Idukki district, the only natural sandalwood forest in the Kerala, Minister for Environment and Forest Thiruvanchaoor Radhakrishnan told assembly today.
Seven persons have been arrested in connection with nine cases registered for illegal felling of sandalwood trees in the year 2014, Radhakrishnan said in a written reply.
A total of 59.48 kg of sandalwood and two vehicles used for transporting it were seized, he said.
For effective protection of sandalwood tress in the Marayour Forest Divison, services of dog squad and patrolling by forest officials have been strengthened, he said.
