The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has intensified patrolling and appointed forest guards to protect the forest area under its jurisdiction leading to the seizure of illegal timber worth Rs 3 lakh recently.
This was informed by KHADC executive member in-charge of forest department, Macdalyn Sawkmie Mawlong to a question raised by Nongstoiñ MDC, Gabriel Wahlang during the reassembled autumn session on today.
Mawlong said the seizures were made from areas under West Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi districts
Stating that the KHADC are taking all steps possible to protect the forest area under its jurisdiction she said, “We are speeding up fencing of a plantation at Byrnihat and erection of boundary pillars in every plantation.”
With regards to the information furnished by the MDC of Mawhati Charles Marngar today that the office of the Syiem of Riad Marwet issued a work order for collection of royalty from the forest, Mawlong said that the EC has not issued such work order whether through the beat office or patrolling station.
She said that EC will take up the matter and take strong action against such illegal activities without the consent of the district council.
