TURA: Villagers from Chidekgre, New Chidekgre and Baija in East Garo Hills District have alleged rampant felling of trees in the Rongrenggre Reserve Forest. A complaint letter in this regard has also been submitted to the Range Officer of the Reserve Forest.
According to the villagers, timber from the Reserve Forest is openly being supplied to neighbouring Assam mostly during night time but the illegal racket is also being carried out even in broad daylight and in full view of the Forest Range Office in Chidekgre and the Forest Check Gate at Kusimkolgre through which the illegal timber has to pass.
The villagers expressed unhappiness over the illegal timber trade and questioned why the concerned department was remaining a mute spectator to the illegal practice and not doing anything about it. “Some people may consider the illegal timber trade as a means of survival. But they should understand that the illegal practice will badly affect the society permanently and will bring destruction to coming generations,” they said.
The villagers have taken a firm stand and jointly decided to stop the rampant felling of trees and supply of timber to Assam. They have also decided that every household within the area should be provided with a contact number of the Williamnagar Police Station to report the offence being committed as and when it happens.