Biplab Kr Dey
Phulbari, Feb 20: Showing the extent to which unscrupulous criminals have denuded the entire lower hills of Garo Hills, 15 semi trucks were required to complete a seizure of illegal logs that were recovered from a saw mill on Nimaikata under Phulbari PS.
As per reports, a GHADC Forest patrol noticed one truck travelling along with illegal timber through the Chibinang area and followed it to the mill where it was to be dropped. The mill, as per the department officials, was fully functioning with as many as 10 labourers working. They however ran when they saw the forest team enter the premises.
The GHADC team informed that the entire stock in the illegal sawmill was seized and it required 15 semi-trucks to carry the seized items. The raid began at 8 AM this morning, Feb 20 and continued for some time. However, none near the illegal sawmill was willing to give information on the owner of the sawmill.
“We wanted to register a case but the person who we suspect to be the owner was not informed by another near the site. We seized everything found in the area and brought it back to our office. We will look at what needs to be done next,” informed Phulbari Ranger, Moonlight P Marak.
