TURA, June 29: Forest officials have dismantled four illegal sawmills in the Chibinang-Bolarbita and Selsella areas of West Garo Hills during a targeted enforcement drive.
The operations, conducted on June 23 and June 29 by the Hollaidonga Range under the West & South-West Garo Hills (Territorial) Division, aimed to curb unauthorised timber logging and milling. Three mills were dismantled in the Chibinang-Bolarbita area, while one was shut down in Selsella.
DFO Rupankar K Marak stated that forest enforcement teams acted on intelligence regarding clandestine milling operations. The surprise raids resulted in the immediate closure of the establishments and the dismantling of their mechanical frameworks, including heavy-duty bandsaw assemblies and driving wheels. A substantial quantity of illegally procured timber logs was also seized.
During the drive, officials confiscated three complete sawmill sets along with an electric motor and other machinery components.
The Forest Department said it is continuing to gather information on other illegal mills across the district. It warned of further stringent measures and legal action against those involved in unauthorized logging to protect the region’s forest resources.
