Tura, Oct 15: The Meghalaya Forest Department has intensified its crackdown on illegal timber activities, raiding around eight suspected illegal saw mills across Mendi and Damas on Thursday. Officials seized sawing equipment and dismantled sheds used for the operations.
The operation involved personnel from the Dainadubi, Kharkutta, Darugre and Simsanggre Ranges under the East and North Garo Hills Territorial Division, with support from the A’chik State People’s Front (ASPF), Northern Zone.
Leading the operation, Chisaka Ch. Marak, Range Forest Officer of Dainadubi Range and in-charge of North Garo Hills, issued a stern warning to those involved in forest crimes. He said the department would adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal saw mills and timber smuggling.
“The department is committed to forest conservation. We are serious about protecting our forests, biodiversity and natural resources for future generations,” Marak said.
He emphasised that the latest raids were also intended to demonstrate the department’s resolve to protect the region’s natural heritage.
The crackdown follows a similar operation in June, which focused primarily on the Bajong area. According to the department, several illegal saw mills shut down following that raid. However, continued surveillance led to the latest operation in Mendi and Damas, underlining that enforcement efforts remain ongoing.
The department has also called on the public to play an active role in forest conservation. Marak urged residents to report illegal saw milling, timber smuggling and other activities contributing to forest degradation, stressing that conservation efforts cannot succeed through departmental action alone.
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