ULA restricts logging in Arakan State

By Admin 21 Apr 2026

DMG Newsroom

21 April 2026, Mrauk-U

The Department of Forestry and Environmental Management under the United League of Arakan has imposed restrictions on logging for domestic use in forest areas under the control of the Arakan Army.

According to a statement released on April 20, residents are permitted to harvest up to one ton of timber tax free for basic needs such as home construction and agricultural use, provided it is not for commercial purposes.

A local man in Mrauk U said, “Restricting timber production in this way is a positive step. It is essential for the public to follow these regulations, and the ULA must manage it systematically. As we know, it takes a long time for a tree to grow, and these limits will help preserve nature.”

The statement noted that those seeking to harvest timber must notify their respective Township Forestry Department, which will then conduct field inspections at the proposed logging sites.

Furthermore, if more than one ton is required, applicants must submit a request to the relevant forestry department accompanied by recommendation letters from village tract and township administration offices.

A resident of Kyauktaw expressed concern, saying, “While the ULA’s oversight is good, there are people who have established small scale private plantations. How will this affect them? A limit of one ton per year is not sufficient for building a house.”

However, the statement clarified that forestry officials will allow additional timber extraction if field inspections confirm a genuine need for more material.

The ULA warned that timber extracted for domestic use must not be traded commercially. Legal action will be taken against anyone found engaging in the commercial sale of such timber.

Despite the allowance for additional needs, some residents expressed concern that one ton is insufficient and that the inspection process could cause delays.

Another Kyauktaw resident said, “One ton of timber is very little for building a house. While they say they will allow more if needed, the word inspection raises questions. Will they come immediately after we report? If there are long delays in the inspection process, it will become a major issue for us.”

The Department of Forestry and Environmental Management also announced that those who violate logging regulations will have all their timber seized and will face a one-year ban on domestic logging permits.