From Our Correspondent
Tura, Jan 18: Illegal earth mining and timber smuggling were detected during coordinated raids to crack down on illegal activities in West Garo Hills on Saturday.
The state forest department of West Garo Hills continued its crackdown on illegal mining and timber smuggling in coordinated operations in Gumaijhora and Chibinang-Chanupara (Gopgopara) areas to intercept illegal mining and timber smuggling.
The operation was a joint effort between the forest department, led by the Assistant Conservator of Forest, the district administration led by a magistrate, and the police department to highlight a zero-tolerance toward unauthorised resource extraction in the region. The coordinated raid reported significant findings and seizures across two locations.
In Gomaijhora, based on inputs from sources, officials inspected a site suspected of illegal earth mining. Evidence, including written statements and photographic documentation, was collected for further enquiry.
Illegal sand mining was detected at a nearby stream. While offenders fled the scene upon the arrival of authorities, extraction tools were seized.
Following reports of a JCB machine’s involvement in illegal activities, officials successfully traced the equipment to its owner, and a summons letter was issued to the vehicle owner for formal verification.
In the second instance at Chanupara (Gopgopara) near Chibinang, an animal cart transporting timber logs without valid permits was intercepted. The timber and the cart were immediately seized. Further, forest officials disrupted an illegal earth mining operation, resulting in the detention of a JCB, a dumper truck (loaded with earth), and a tractor.
All vehicles caught were transported to the Range Office, Hollaidonga Range.
The landholder and vehicle owners are being summoned for an inquiry.
The forest department is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the ownership of the seized equipment and the origin of the timber, an official stated.
