(a) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the news-item captioned `Timber Seizure: NE govts. in the dock over slow inquiry` appearing in the Indian Express dated February 24, 2000;
(b) If so, the facts of the matter reported therein; and
(c) The action proposed to be taken against the officials held responsible?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
(SHRI BABU LAL MARANDI)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) & (c) On receipt of information, about 200 wagons containing timber transported from North Eastern States have been detained for physical verification. During physical verification, it has been found that most of the wagons contained substantial quantity of timber not supported by valid legal documents. A Special Investigation Team has been constituted by the Ministry for detailed investigation.