Tura, April 26: With the illegal trade of timber being a persistent issue in the region, leading to the destruction of forests and posing a threat to the environment, which is turning into real nightmare and the far-reaching effects of which the people are realizing only now, concerned Garo organisations along with the forest department successfully busted an illegal sawmill in West Garo Hills.

The A’chik Association for Protection of Environment (AAPE), Federation for A’chik Freedom (FAF), and Niksamso Garo Community Social Organization worked together with the forest department to identify the illegal activity and successfully busted an illegal sawmill operation in Dokagre village of Selsella.

During the raid, dozens of freshly felled timber were discovered inside the sawmill, with many more already prepared for transportation to potential customers.

Garo Hills is currently facing a major water crisis, with extreme dry spells due to a heatwave exacerbating the situation. The destruction of forests is leading to water bodies drying up, further compounding the water crisis. The illegal sawmill operation was exacerbating this already dire situation by adding to deforestation in the region.

The joint effort of the garo organizations and the forest department in identifying and busting the illegal operation is a significant step towards preserving the region’s natural resources. The AAPE, FAF, and Niksamso Garo Community Social Organization have been actively working towards environmental conservation and protection in the region.

Illegal trade of timber not only harms the environment but also causes economic losses to the state. The successful raid also serves as a warning to other illegal operators that their activities will not go unnoticed and will face consequences.