GUWAHATI, Feb 14 - An FIR has been lodged at Deithor police station over illegal hill cutting in the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Intanki Elephant Project area and unlawful lifting of sand and stones from the Kaliyani river in Karbi Anglong district.
Pointing at a nexus between Forest officials and contractors, senior journalist Apurba Ballav Goswami said in his FIR that the illegal activities which are in blatant violation of environmental laws have posed a threat to Hanboka hill.
�There has been rampant lifting of stones and sand from the Rangara, Panjan areas of Kaliyani river, leading to destruction of the Forest wealth. The illegal activities have also threatened the elephant reserve creating an imbalance in the eco-system. This destruction of Forest areas has forced animals, including tigers and elephants to move to human habitants giving rise to man-animal conflicts,� the FIR stated.
Goswami said the Supreme Court has banned mining activities in the Karbi Anglong hills and rivers, and the Forest officials and contractors in these areas have been violating the apex court orders.
Goswami also provided photographs of the illegal activities along with the FIR.
�These violators are punishable under law,� the FIR stated, seeking action against the accused.