Assam: Timber mafia threat to Upper Dehing reserve forest in Tinsukia

GUWAHATI | August 13, 2018:
Forest department alleged inaction has led to the rampant felling of valuable trees at Upper Dehing reserve forest in Tinsukia district of Upper Assam.
Spreading over 7,29.3079 sq. km, the Upper Dehing reserve forest is 15km from Tinsukia district.
The timber smugglers and forest officials after alleged nexus has put the Upper Dehing reserve forest of Digboi forest division under threat. It has been alleged that the felling of trees is rampant at Lakhipathar and Margherita west range of upper Dehing reserve forest.
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As per to the sources, the timber smugglers enter the forest in broad daylight.
He said preservation and conservation are the top priorities of the forest department but they are being ignored.
On May 16, two timber laden trucks were caught at Digboi but later they were freed.
Gogoi alleged, "We demand an inquiry into the illegal supply of timber. Most of the sawmills are hand in glove with the timber smugglers. We had earlier informed the principal conservator of forests about the anomalies and illegal cutting of trees but no action has been taken".
Source: The Telegraph
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