Villagers release back endangered frogs; police seize truck with rare Sal wood
Boko, April 23: In a strong display of civic responsibility, villagers from the Boko area and local police have stepped up to perform duties typically expected of the forest department, following continued allegations of negligence by the West Kamrup Forest Division.
On Monday night, residents of Kaithpara village intercepted six individuals attempting to smuggle hundreds of endangered frogs from local paddy fields. Villagers reported that the smugglers were seen collecting frogs under the cover of darkness, packing them into sacks for transport. Upon being questioned, the smugglers revealed that the frogs were being sold in markets in Meghalaya, fetching prices of Rs. 100 to Rs. 150 per pair.
The villagers contacted officials from both the Singra Range Office and the Nagarbera Riverine Range under the West Kamrup Forest Division. However, forest officials reportedly refused to take responsibility, each claiming the area did not fall under their jurisdiction. With no support forthcoming, the villagers took it upon themselves to release the frogs back into the paddy fields and let the smugglers off with a warning.
Frogs are known to play a crucial role in agricultural ecosystems by acting as natural pest controllers. They feed on insects such as grasshoppers and leafhoppers, which damage crops, and help reduce the spread of diseases that affect rice and other crops.
Timber smuggling busted near forest office
In a separate incident the same day, Boko Police seized a mini truck loaded with illegally felled Sal wood logs in the heart of Boko Bazaar, just 100 metres from the Singra Forest Range Office. The truck was found carrying 14 logs, and three individuals were arrested. Officer-in-Charge of Boko Police Station, Munna Pachani, stated that the vehicle was stopped during routine patrolling and the smugglers were taken into custody immediately.
These incidents have triggered anger among locals, who allege that the forest department has shown little interest in protecting wildlife and forest resources. Several residents from Kaithpara village expressed frustration, accusing the West Kamrup Forest Division of focusing primarily on monitoring commercial vehicles carrying sand and soil, while ignoring illegal activities involving timber and wildlife.
Efforts to contact West Kamrup Divisional Forest Officer Subodh Talukdar for a response went unanswered. Meanwhile, locals continue to raise concerns about the long-term environmental impact of such neglect, urging immediate and effective action from the authorities.
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