From Our Correspondent
MAWKYRWAT, April 7: The random felling of trees to produce charcoal is stripping large swathes of the South West Khasi Hills district of their greenery.
Large-scale charcoal production is adding misery to the district already troubled by illegal burning of grasslands and shrubs, chopping of trees for timber, and traditional shifting cultivation.
In this practice, both small and large trees are indiscriminately cut and burned to produce charcoal, which is then supplied to various parts of the state. These destructive activities are stripping the land of its natural wealth and paving the way for a long-term ecological crisis.
During a visit last week, a group of journalists reported extensive charcoal burning in the Warsan Lyngdoh area along the Wahkaji-Pyndengumjarain-Nongriniang road. Large quantities of charcoal were found stored in roadside depots, ready for transport. Similar scenes were observed in other parts of the district, including areas near the district headquarters in Mawkyrwat.
Illegal grassland and forest fires are also common across the district. In response, the District Administration has recently imposed Section 163 of the BNSS, prohibiting the burning of grasslands and forests. Rampant, unregulated tree felling continues due to high demand for timber, even though the use of firewood has significantly declined as more people switch to cooking gas. These felled trees are supplied both within the district and beyond.
Shifting cultivation — commonly known as “jhum” farming—remains prevalent in the hilly areas of the district, particularly for growing sohphlang. While a traditional practice, it has contributed significantly to the destruction of forest cover.
The alarming extent of deforestation — especially due to charcoal burning — raises serious questions about the role and effectiveness of the Forest department. Many are now asking whether the department is actively functioning and what concrete steps it has taken to safeguard the forests of South West Khasi Hills.
Once a sanctuary of lush greenery, South West Khasi Hills district was renowned for its thick forest cover, towering trees, diverse wildlife, and crystal-clear rivers — painting a picture of untouched natural beauty. Today, however, that beauty is under serious threat, largely due to human irresponsibility, unchecked ambitions, and perhaps even a lack of viable livelihood opportunities.