The Meghalaya Forest Department has taken action against illegal timber operations in North Garo Hills, raiding four unauthorized sawmills in the Bajengdoba and Mendi areas. This crackdown followed complaints from local organizations about widespread illegal sawmill activities in the region. Various NGOs raised concerns about illegal timber-processing units in different parts of North Garo Hills.
Officials conducted a verification exercise after receiving complaints on June 11 from organizations like Matgrik Do’mesal, APA, ADE, FKJGP, AYWO, and ASPF. Subsequently, a joint enforcement operation involving forest personnel from multiple ranges was planned. The raid, carried out by teams from different forest ranges, revealed three illegal sawmills in Upper Bajengdoba and one in Khonapara, along with searches in the remote Bhorjora region.
The operation exposed the widespread nature of illegal timber activities and the challenges faced by enforcement agencies in reaching remote forested areas. Several machines and equipment used for illegal timber processing were seized during the raids. Despite attempts by some operators to hide crucial machinery components, forest personnel successfully located and recovered the concealed equipment. Authorities are conducting further investigations to identify those involved in the illegal activities and assess the extent of the timber trade network in the area.
