From Our Correspondent
TURA: The GSU, North Western Zone, has expressed its concern over the rate of deforestation through rampant felling of trees in Garo Hills by saw mill owners exporting wood to other states. The GSU through a communiqué stated that there is increased illegal installation and operation of saw mills in areas with dense forestation which is depleting forest cover at an alarming rate. These saw
mills tremendously increase the rate of deforestation by felling indigenous species of trees that is protected by the State Government and Autonomous District Councils under the purview of the The Meghalaya Tree Felling (Non Forested Areas) Act 2006, the Union stated. The saw mills are run by scrupulous individuals who employ locals living near forested areas to cut down lumber which is then processed in the mills and transported to be disposed off by sale in isolated areas along the Assam-Meghalaya interstate boundary, the Union alleged.
Urging concerned authorities to take stringent action, the GSU have also advised the saw mill owners to stop their activities for the greater good of the people of the region.