By Our Reporter
Shillong: The KHADC has constituted an inquiry committee to look into felling of trees in the Council-owned Aradonga Reserve Forest.
Disclosing this here on Tuesday, the KHADC CEM PN Syiem said the notification in this regard was issued on Tuesday and the committee had been asked to submit its report within 45 days.
It may be mentioned here that some MDCs during their visit to West Khasi Hills district on July 7 stumbled upon a truck carrying logs felled from the KHADC-owned reserve forest.
Syiem said the committee, to be headed by Executive Member in-charge Transportation, L G Nongsiej, comprises Antonio War, Titus Chyne, Phantin Kitbok Ryntathiang (all MDCs) and the Secretary EC as the member secretary.
Commenting on this issue, Syiem said “if the probe panel finds involvement of the council employees in illegal felling of trees then stern action will be taken against all those involved in it.”
The CEM said “they (perpetrators) have not only degraded the environment but also brought down the status of the Council.” The CEM also informed that at present there are around 8 to nine forest guards patrolling 300 acres of forest land owned by the KHADC.