Forest Department conduct raid on illegal smuggle of woods, smugglers and illegal consumers on the run
MUKESH SHARMAKALIMPONG, May 17:
The raids being conducted by the Forest Department at various areas of Kalimpong regarding illegal smuggle of woods is giving a tough time to the smugglers and those who own wood illegally. The foray is being carried out after the information received from 2 of the smugglers who were arrested during the raid at Khamdong area. This has compelled both the smugglers and the illegal consumers to flee from Their homes.
Informing about the same, the Kalimpong Sub Divisional Forest Department Officer, Sameer Gazmer said that the raids shall continue until and unless all those at
fault are caught. Range Officers Narayan Pradhan, Prem Tamang, TT Bhutia, Nayan
Chatterjee etc. are involved in the raids conducted.
He notified that until now more than 50- 60 people in the town who have illegally
bought woods and whose construction works are underway in the said area, have been
sent a notice regarding the same. “We have the list of names provided by the 2
culprits”, added Gazmer. Further he mentioned that it has been revealed that many
high profile people of the town, drivers, contractors and carpenters are involved
in this illegal business. Those people who have been sent a notice are directed to
submit their papers within 7 days, he acquainted.
Those who are professionally involved such as the contractors are now on high
alert for they have all the necessary documents for cement and bricks but they do
not possess any proper documents for wood. Likewise, Gazmer also informed that
those who possess wood illegally, strict actions will be taken and a case shall be
filed against them. Those people from whom illegal wood have been recovered they
have been asked to produce the legal papers and those from Khamdong area who are
on the run, an arrest warrant has been issued against them.
When asked about why no such strict actions were taken when people involved in
illegal smuggling of wood were caught before, Gazmer replied that due to the
ongoing work at Teesta Hydro Power Project most of the Forest Officials were
engaged in looking after the cutting of trees and construction of a power tower
there. Hence, there was not enough time left to conduct core actions regarding the
smuggle.Lastly, appealing the public not to buy wood illegally, Gazmer said that in order
to stop this rapidly growing illegal business, a rule has been passed under which
the Forest Department is to supply the woods legally to those who are constructing
houses. Regarding the same a meeting will also be held between the Department,
Municipality and Wood Business Association.
Tags: LOCAL
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Share your views...
0 Respones to "Forest Department conduct raid on illegal smuggle of woods, smugglers and illegal consumers on the run"
Post a Comment