MIRZA, March 12 � The lucrative timber smuggling here in the hilly forest areas under the jurisdiction of Rani forest range is still on and the rich faunal diversity, which includes many reptile species, have borne the brunt of this man-induced disaster.
The required official protection for the hilly terrain of the reserve forest area is missing and as such, it has become vulnerable. The timber smugglers are continuing their timber cutting operation virtually at will, sources said. Among the 8 beat offices under Rani range, beats such as Hatimara Ghuli, Shukurberia and Nalapara could play a vital role in curbing the menace. But the destructive force is yet to be neutralised.
Due to accelarated deforestation, the resource � rich Rani forest has suffered extensive damage since the past one decade. This is a contributory factor for the growing man-elephant conflict in the plain area. �After felling the timber in Assam�s territory, it is transported to Meghalaya and finally both sawn timber and logs are ferried to the main commercial points of the State�, a source revealed.
Even though forest officials occasionally seize these smuggled logs, a group of youth have urged on the need of providing protection to the standing trees. �Seizure of timber does not do justice to the already degraded woody vegetation. What matters more at this hour is giving full protection to the remaining trees and forests�, they said.
The once majestic sal trees of the Hatimara Ghuli Pahar under Rani reserve forest has almost been decimated and the consequent habitat shrinkage has affected elephant movement. Home of pachyderms this hilly forest area used to be a boon for the forest dwellers. But the unbridled commercial exploitation has triggered distrubance in the territory of the large mammal. The plain areas too have suffered the depredation which is on the rise with every passing year.
The Chakardo hilly terrain under Rani reserve forest, teeming with wildlife has also paid heavily for the inadequate protective cover. The agriculture dependent local populace once coexisted with the diverse wildlife including the elephant. But fragmentation of habitat has made matters worse and more so as the 170 km long railway line from Kamakhya to New Bongaigaon has become a death trap for the gentle giants who migrate from hilly areas to Deepor Beel through the huge traditional corridor.
Expressing concern over the reccurent killing of wild elephants by trains, the local populace have blamed both the railway authorities and forest officials as well. Onus lies with the forest officials to ensure protection and conservation of elephant territory including the vital corridor while the railway authority should be extra vigilant during the hours when the mammals cross the tracks, suggests a group of youth of Chakardo.
�The trains go at a high speed instead of slowing down�, alleged Nripen Teron, a local youth who demanded measures ensuring safe passage. Mitigation measures are imperative to prevant further loss of this Schedule-I species, he said. The local people also mentioned that apart from restoring the degraded forest cover, the officials should also take measures to create a disturbancefree habitat and elephant corridor.
Besides elephants, other wild creatures like the barking deer, sambar, capped langur, leopard and many reptile species have found safe refuge in the Rani forest area. But all is not well with the rich faunal diversity following deforestation. Though it seems surprising yet the fact is venison can be bought here easily. Barking deer is particularly slaughtered and the meat is sold upto Rs 300 a kg.
Despite enjoying legal protection the herbivores fall to human greed. For the well-being of both floral and faunal diversity, authority concerned should evolve strategies to put an end to the activities of smuggling syndicates.
