DOOMDOOMA, July 21 - Massive destruction of forests by timber mafia in the reserved forests under Digboi and Doomdooma forest divisions of Tinsukia district has been alleged by Green Bud Society (GBS), an NGO working for the conservation of wildlife.
In the forests of Tinkupani, Namphai, Vitor Powai, Powaimukh, Lakhajaan, Namdang, Ulop etc. under Digboi Forest Division and even in the forests of Duwarmara, Pengeree, Bordumsa etc. under Doomdooma Forest Division, members of the timber mafia are busy cutting valuable trees on a regular basis, alleged the NGO.
�We have been working since December 2012 for saving the wildlife and conservation of forests of Dehing Patkai Forest Range in Tinsukia district and continuously raising our voice against illegal cutting of trees, but in vain,� rued Devajit Moran, secretary of GBS.
Talking to this Correspondent, Moran alleged that in spite of repeated requests, a section of officials of the Forest Department were reluctant to take any legal or punitive measure against the timber smugglers.
�There is no support, whatsoever from the Forest Minister of the state too. They are only looking for commission from the timber smugglers,� Moran added.
�We always try to work in collaboration with the Forest Department for conservation of our forests. But the mentality of the officials of the department is always to make profit from the timber sumgglers, which is very unfortunate and demotivating for us. Because on a regular basis we are conducting plantation programmes, but on the other hand huge, rampant deforestation is going on too,� he lamented.
The NGO has urged the masses to come forward and work unitedly with them for the conservation of forests and its denizens.
