Tapi, Gujarat: Range Forest Officer (RFO) Vikas Desai, who was serving in the Tapti Range of the Vyara Forest Division, lost his life in the line of duty while pursuing timber smugglers transporting illegally cut khair wood from Gujarat towards Maharashtra.
According to officials, RFO Desai launched an immediate operation after receiving information about the illegal transportation of valuable khair timber. While chasing the smugglers’ container vehicle, his vehicle met with a fatal accident after colliding with the container. He died on the spot.
Gujarat Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia paid heartfelt tributes to the fallen officer, describing his death as an irreparable loss to the Forest Department.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, the minister said Desai displayed exceptional courage, dedication and a strong sense of duty by acting swiftly to stop the timber smugglers. He said Desai’s supreme sacrifice in protecting forests and natural resources would continue to inspire the entire forest fraternity.
The minister emphasized that protecting forests is not merely a government responsibility but a sacred duty towards nature, the environment and future generations. He added that the state’s forests and wildlife remain protected because of the commitment and bravery of officers like Vikas Desai.
On behalf of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Gujarat Government and the Forest Department, the minister offered condolences and prayed for strength for the officer’s grieving family.
The Forest Minister said a detailed investigation into the incident has been initiated and reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy against illegal activities harming forest resources, promising strict action against those responsible.
Vikas Desai was a native of Bhatsar village in Chanasma taluka of Patan district. Before joining the Forest Department around three years ago, he served as a Deputy Section Officer in the Gujarat Secretariat.
He is survived by his parents, wife and a five-year-old son.
Minister of State for Forests Pravin Mali, along with Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Dr. Jaipal Singh and other senior forest officials, visited the bereaved family and expressed their condolences.
Authorities have assured that those involved in the illegal timber smuggling operation will face strict legal action.
