As part of its mandate of vigilance and enforcement of environment protection laws, the office of the Range Forest Officer of Mairang, along with police, conducted raids and inspections of suspected illegal activities related to the production of charcoal in Eastern West Khasi Hills.
The authorities uncovered heavy burning of wood and the illegal sale and transport of charcoal, especially in Sohjarang and Pathar Lyndanareas. The majority of the charcoal was meant for factories in Ri-Bhoi, officials said today.
During the raid, some of the burning spots and storage areas were destroyed and charcoal seized.
Notwithstanding the constraints in terms of manpower, equipment and vehicles, the Mairang Range Forest Office has been continuing with its concerted efforts to check such activities.
“The fight against such activities will continue despite the challenges and constraints. Traditional institutions at different levels are urged to assist the Forest Department in putting a halt to such environment-degrading activities even as the office resolves to amplify awareness generation on different laws and regulations concerning environment protection at the grassroots level,” he added.
