Bhubaneswar: Indiscriminate felling of trees at the Khandagiri and Udayagiri hills, known for several ancient Jain caves, by timber mafia has emerged as a threat to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monuments.

Local residents said the felling of trees has been a rampant practice at the hills for the past two months.

Sources said the timber mafia have been selling the logs in the open market for a good profit. Besides, they also fetch good prices when sold as firewood.

"Earlier, the mafia used to cut the trees during the nights. However, over the past few months, they have shed all pretence of being scared of the law and are not hesitating to cut down the trees even during the day," said a local resident.

"However, they still continue to transport the chopped trees during the nights," the resident said.

Officials of the forest department said both the hills have more than 20 species of rare trees. These include baula, amba, sapeta, pijuli and sahada. These trees assume significance as hundreds of monkeys depend on the trees for food and shelter.

Environment activists apprehend that the twin hills would become completely bald if the authorities did not sit up and take notice of such illegal activities as soon as possible.

"Both the hills are among the most visited tourist destinations in the city and deeply associated with the history of the state capital. Felling of trees will affect tourists during the summer months and also lead to loss of habitat for the monkeys," said environmentalist Bijay Mishra.

Soil erosion is also a concern in case of large-scale deforestation. The roots of the trees hold the soil together that become loose in case of rampant tree felling. However, the presence of hard rocks reduces the risk in case of the twin hills.

Local residents said the hills had become soft target for mafia because of lack of vigil.

"Earlier, the timber mafia used to target the Chandaka forest, but they shifted their focus to the hills after the forest department stepped up security in the forest area. As there is no resistance from anyone in the hills, they find it easy to cut down the trees," said Akash Jena, a shopowner at the tourist spot.

On the other hand, officials of the forest department said they could not take any action as both the hills come under the ASI.

"We can initiate action only if the ASI seeks our intervention," said Prasant Mishra, divisional forest officer, city division.