By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The inability of the State Government to check rampant felling of trees is attributed to the liberty and perks the State enjoys under the Sixth Schedule which prevents the application of forest laws in private land.
“Felling of trees in private lands (in the state) is prevalent yet the department has no power to act against it as according to the Sixth Schedule, Government cannot interfere in activities that people carry out in their own land,” Chief Conservator of Forest, (wildlife), YS Shullai said adding that the government can only act after the damage is done by seizing the timber in transit.
A similar scenario cripples government action when it comes to restricting unscientific mining carried out by individuals in their private lands across the State. Activities such as stone quarrying, lime stone and coal mining result in mass deforestation and contamination of water bodies.
Taking cognizance of the situation, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), TTC Marak, said, “Ten years from now, the State will witness scarred hills, depleting water bodies and the likes if the current depletion of forest land and environment remains unchecked.”
The top forest official said that “strong policies backed by strong enforcement” is one of the ways to tack le the situation. Marak also laid emphasis on the need for every citizen of the State to play a proactive role in preserving the environment.