Chaudhary was referring to a recent armed attack on two employees of the Uchhal range of the department, when they were transplanting saplings at Nana Takrama village. Citing a State Government order, he says only those forest areas occupied by locals before 1990 will be considered legal and the department will crack down on all tribals and others who have occupied forest department land. Tribals and the department have been at odds over the issue for some time.

Assuring action against those involved in the attack on Zarali area beat guard Amrutbhai Gamit and a watchman in the Uchhal range, Chaudhary says he has instructed the employees to identify the culprits.