Six residents of Lumsohpieng and Lumdaitkhla villages in Bhoirymbong area have lodged a complaint with the Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner against illegal cutting of trees in community forest (Khlaw Raid) and sought immediate action to stop such acts.
According to the residents, the area has witnessed rampant deforestation, and despite several appeals from concerned citizens, no significant action has been taken to curb such a destructive activity. These actions are not only causing irreparable harm to the environment but are also a direct threat to the livelihood of the local communities that depend on the forest for sustenance, they added.
Pointing out that the unlawful activity is not only detrimental to the environment but also a direct violation of the legal provisions intended to safeguard our forests and biodiversity, the resident drew the attention of the Deputy Commissioner to Article 51A(g) of the Constitution, which makes it the fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.
“This constitutional provision clearly reflects the nation’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. However, in light of the ongoing illegal activities, it seems that this commitment is not being adequately upheld,” the residents added.
We, therefore, request your immediate intervention to halt the illegal cutting of trees and to take stringent action against the perpetrators. Additionally, we urge you to initiate measures that will ensure the protection and preservation of our forest resources, in line with the spirit of Article 51A(g).
While seeking an inquiry to be conducted by local authorities and environmental protection agencies to prevent further illegal deforestation the residents said that if felling of trees go unchecked, it will result in severe ecological imbalances and contribute to long-term environmental degradation in the region.
