JORABAT, June 13 - With relaxations in lockdown norms under �Unlock 1.0�, unscrupulous elements try to carry out illegal trade activities under the cover of darkness.
To keep a check on illegal trade and transportation of forest produce from the adjacent hilly state of Meghalaya, the Kamrup Metro Division of the Assam forest department has been maintaining tight security on the border at Jorabat for over a week now.
It may be mentioned that Guwahati city sees a regular inflow of timber, earth, stone and other forest produce from Meghalaya. This necessitates regular checks for required permits and other relevant documents from the carriers.
According to Beat Officer (BO) of Jorabat Beat Office Jintu M Talukdar, the move is to let illegal traders/transporters know that the forest department is not distracted by the current medical emergency situation and is bent on curbing illegal trade.
�These are testing times for the forest staff, but we are extra vigilant with full strength and are also maintaining social distancing. We have formed four teams for round-the-clock patrol in shifts,� Talukdar said while talking to The Assam Tribune.
A source in the know-how of forest-related trade said that the strong vigil by the department has kept the illegal trade circle under check.
Meanwhile, the Jorabat unit of the All Assam Students� Union has lauded the efforts of the forest department and asked it to continue with the tight vigil.
