Guwahati, 30 June (HS): Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabarua on Tuesday announced a statewide crackdown on illegal sawmills, directing forest officials to identify, seize and permanently shut down such units within a week.

The Minister said strict departmental action would be taken against Range Officers and Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) if illegal sawmills continue to operate in their jurisdictions. Licensed sawmills will also face inspections to verify compliance with licence conditions and legal documentation for timber stocks.

Appealing for public cooperation, Baruah urged citizens to report illegal sawmills and any alleged collusion by forest officials through the dedicated helpline 94352-04444, assuring that all information would be kept confidential and acted upon.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash