By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Government has admitted to the fact that there was rampant illegal supply of locally produce charcoal to ferro alloy industries operating in the State despite a ban.
Admitting this, Forest and Environment Minister Prestone Tynsong said, “Officials of the department on several occasions have seized trucks loaded with charcoal meant for delivery to the ferro alloy industries at Byrnihat. Around 25 to 30 trucks are seized in a month mostly at Hynniew Mer, Upper Shillong and Byrnihat in Ri-Bhoi district.”
The Minister, however, mentioned that it would be very difficult for the department to find out which industries had sought to buy the locally produced charcoal.
The Government, earlier this year, had decided to ban supply of charcoal to ferro alloy industries as an attempt to prevent rampant destruction of forests in the State.