Shillong, June 18 : The Meghalaya Forest Department on Thursday raided four illegal sawmills in the Bajengdoba and Mendi areas of North Garo Hills following complaints lodged by several NGOs.
The operation was launched after complaints were received on June 11 from organisations including Matgrik Do’mesal, APA, ADE, FKJGP, AYWO and ASPF. After verifying the information and coordinating with the NGOs, the department planned a joint enforcement drive, according to Range Forest Officer Chisaka Ch. Marak.
Forest personnel from the Dainadubi, Kharkutta, Darugre and Simsanggre ranges carried out the raid across several interior locations.
Three illegal sawmills were detected in Upper Bajengdoba, about three kilometres from Kosi Bazar, while another was found at Khonapara, around six kilometres away. The team also conducted searches in the remote Bhorjora area, nearly 20 kilometres from the main road.
During the operation, officials seized machinery and equipment used for timber processing.
In some cases, operators had allegedly dismantled and concealed key components of the machines in an attempt to evade action. However, forest personnel recovered the hidden parts during the raid.
Further legal action under the relevant provisions of forest laws is expected, officials said.
