Illegal sawmills operating in Ri Bhoi, alleges local body

SHILLONG: The Confederation of Ri-Bhoi People (CoRP) has alleged that several sawmills in Ri-Bhoi are operating illegally and are indulging in Benami transaction, posing grave threat to forested areas in the district.
Making the allegations, CoRP president Bandari Ryntathiang said the State Forest Department denies presence of illegal sawmills in Ri-Bhoi.
He added that licenses were given to some for making furniture products but the licensees were indulging in chopping trees from the forests of Umsning, Umthang, Kyrdemkulai, Jirang and Mawhati.
CoRP president also expressed concern over the rampant cutting of trees in Ri-Bhoi will denude forests areas.
Ryntathiang also claimed that the owners of sawmills indulging in Benami transactions were from Assam and other states.
Meanwhile, CoRP also appraised KHADC CEM P.N Syiem on the issue of outsiders engaging in contractual work in the district without obtaining necessary documents.
However, the KHADC CEM informed the organisation that outsiders can apply for tender and after the work has been allotted to them, they can apply for trading and labour licenses.