Shillong, June 19 (IANS) The Meghalaya Forest Department has launched a major crackdown on illegal timber operations in North Garo Hills, raiding four unauthorised sawmills functioning in the Bajengdoba and Mendi areas and seizing machinery used for processing timber.

Officials said on Thursday that the operation was initiated following complaints submitted by several local organisations and pressure groups alleging rampant illegal sawmill activities in the region.

According to forest department sources, complaints were received on June 11 from various NGOs, including Matgrik Do’mesal, APA, ADE, FKJGP, AYWO and ASPF, highlighting the existence of illegal timber-processing units in different parts of North Garo Hills.

Following the complaints, the department carried out a preliminary verification exercise and coordinated with representatives of the organisations to assess the authenticity of the allegations.

Based on the findings, a joint enforcement operation was planned involving forest personnel from multiple ranges.

The raid was conducted by teams from the Dainadubi, Kharkutta, Darugre and Simsanggre forest ranges.

During the operation, officials uncovered three illegal sawmills in Upper Bajengdoba, located around three kilometre from Kosi Bazar, while another unit was detected at Khonapara, nearly six kilometres away from the market area.

Forest officials also carried out searches in the remote Bhorjora region, situated about 20 km from the main road.

The operation highlighted both the extensive reach of illegal timber activities and the logistical challenges faced by enforcement agencies in accessing interior forested locations.

During the raids, the department seized several machines and equipment allegedly being used for illegal timber processing.

Officials said some operators had attempted to avoid detection by dismantling and concealing crucial components of the machinery before the arrival of enforcement teams.

However, forest personnel were able to trace and recover the hidden equipment during the search operation.

Authorities said further investigation is underway to identify those involved in the illegal activities and determine the scale of the timber trade network operating in the area.

The Forest Department has indicated that legal proceedings will be initiated against the operators under relevant provisions of forest and environmental laws.

–IANS

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