The A’chik Association for the Protection of Environment (AAPE) has raised questions over the continued cases of timber smuggling taking place in South West Garo Hills.
The NGO, through a press release yesterday, felt that smuggling was actually being encouraged by people with vested interests working in official positions.
“Several such complaints have been brought to our notice of forest products like timber being illegally transported to neighbouring Assam. We confirmed this through our sources and found something fishy going on. These activities are taking place despite the presence of law enforcement agents for meagre sums of money and, if it is encouraged, Garo Hills will become a desert in the next two-three decades,” said joint secretary of AAPE, Lawrence Sangma.
Expressing concern over rampant tree felling and the impact it has on climate change, AAPE called for a crackdown on the illegal timber trade and also sought action against those responsible.
“The effects of climate change can be felt across the world and the onus is upon us to save upcoming generations from its effects. We are concerned about these random illegal acts and need action against it on an immediate basis. We urge upon the Forest Department and other concerned law enforcement agents to kindly act upon our complaints and form a vigilance committee to crack down on such illegal activities. Those involved should not go scot free,” Sangma said.
