Surprise raids across Chibinang-Bolarbita and Selsella areas result in seizure of machinery and timber
TURA, June 29: Forest authorities in West Garo Hills have dealt a significant blow to the region’s illegal timber trade, shutting down four unauthorised sawmill operations in a series of coordinated raids conducted over the past week.
The Hollaidonga Range Office, operating under the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) for West and South-West Garo Hills (Territorial) Division, carried out surprise operations on June 23 and June 29, targeting clandestine sawmill activity in the Chibinang-Bolarbita and Selsella areas. Three of the four dismantled sawmills were located in Chibinang-Bolarbita, with a fourth shut down in Selsella.
Divisional Forest Officer Rupankar K. Marak said in an official statement that enforcement teams acted on credible intelligence before moving in. “Forest enforcement teams following credible intelligence regarding the clandestine operation of unauthorized sawmills, carried out surprise raids in the affected areas,” he noted.
Raids revealed the sawmills had been newly established and were operating under makeshift sheds. Forest personnel dismantled the mechanical frameworks on the spot, including heavy-duty bandsaw assemblies and driving wheels.
The Forest Department said it is continuing to gather intelligence on other suspected illegal sawmills across the district and would pursue stringent enforcement measures. Authorities also informed that swift legal action would be taken up against those involved in illegal logging and unauthorised sawmill operations.
