TURA, Dec 4: Residents of several Garo villages in Assam have expressed outrage towards the state’s Forest department for allegedly cutting down and destroying valuable areca nut plantations established on leased land without producing a valid order.
The destruction of around 1,000 areca nut trees took place at Nogodonga and Hakumari villages on November 28. Forest officials allegedly cut down the trees without serving notice or discussing the matter with the public.
The incident came to light after a protest meeting held at Nogodonga village under Chaygaon revenue circle on Wednesday. The meeting, organised by the Garo National Council (GNC), Garo Women Council (GWC), and Garo Youth Council (GYC), was attended by over 500 people from various Garo-inhabited villages.
During the meeting, villagers decided to file a case against the Forest department in the Gauhati High Court. They also warned that a copy of the order would be required for such actions in the future.
