Tura, October 22 (H.S) : The Forest Department seized 40

timber logs and dismantled an illegal sawmill during a crackdown on illegal

timber operations in West Garo Hills on October 21.

A team led by the Range Officer of Hollaidanga Range, under

the guidance of the Divisional Forest Officer of the West and South-West Garo

Hills Territorial Division, conducted raids at Belbari and Gasbari Sorokpara

following reports of illegal sawmill operations.

At Belbari, the team seized 40 N/Sal timber logs after the

operators had dismantled the machinery before the officials arrived. At Gasbari

Sorokpara, the team dismantled an operational illegal sawmill, seizing its

engine, band saw and associated machinery.

The seized timber and machinery were transported to the

Hollaidanga Range headquarters for safe custody.

Divisional Forest Officer Rupanker K. Marak, IFS, said

strict monitoring and anti-smuggling operations would continue to dismantle

illegal timber networks across West Garo Hills.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhijit Deb