Middle East War Sparks Fuel Crisis: Jalpaiguri Forest Dept Boosts Patrols Against Wood Smuggling

• A nationwide fuel crisis has emerged due to the war between America-Israel and Iran in the Middle East, leading to increased LPG prices.
• Rising LPG costs have significantly increased the demand for firewood, prompting fears of heightened wood smuggling activities.
• Jalpaiguri Forest Department has implemented strict vigilance, increasing day and night patrolling across its 8 ranges and 25 beats.
• Forest Officer Jiju Jesper J held an emergency meeting, ordering arrests for suspicious activity and initiating awareness campaigns in adjacent villages.
• Firewood sellers are experiencing increased sales amidst the gas crisis, while the Forest Department fears potential wildlife attacks due to increased forest activity.