TURA, Jan 28: MLA from Dadenggre, Rupa Marak has lashed out at the state and GHADC Forest department over what he stated was negligence that has allowed the illegal timber trade to flourish the village of Chibinang under Phulbari police station in West Garo Hills (WGH).
Rupa, who is also a member of the Assembly committee on Environment, said that despite him informing state Forest authorities with video proof of what was taking place, there has been no significant action taken on any front.
“These unscrupulous smugglers are so emboldened that they dare to even transport timber through the day in front of the noses of the GHADC and state forest personnel. There are GHADC check gates at every point along the various roads in the Phulbari area but despite their presence, this has been continuing. This is ridiculous to say the least,” said Rupa.
At least 10-15 vehicles carry timber through the day from the various hillocks surrounding Chibinang which then reaches the many illegal sawmills that have sprouted in the area. Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that it is not only the Chibinang area that sees illegal timber on a daily basis, other areas around the plain belt witness these daily illegalities taking place right in front of the very people meant to protect the environment.
“I have raised this matter with the DFO — Territorial (WGH) who promised to ensure prompt action and increase patrolling. However, there has been no change and this is really disheartening. The department needs to take cognizance of this or we will have no forests in the future,” he added.
“If they are unable to take action, we will do so. There has to be a way to preserve the environment that we have nurtured over centuries. To think that this is all going down the drain due to the greed of a few and the negligence of even fewer people makes me angry,” stated Rupa.
