Udalguri-Sonitpur, July 7: The Mazbat Forest Division in Assam’s Udalguri district seized an illegal sawmill and recovered a large quantity of timber during a crackdown on forest-related offences.
Acting on specific intelligence, officials of the Mazbat Forest Division raided an illegal sawmill at Sidhakhowa in Jhargaon under Rowta. During the operation, the team seized the sawmill and recovered around 35 cubic feet of valuable timber.
The raid formed part of the Forest Department’s intensified drive against illegal sawmills, timber smuggling and the unlawful extraction and transportation of sand and stone. The enforcement campaign has been strengthened following directions from the state Forest Minister to take strict action against forest-related offences.
Forest officials said the Mazbat Forest Division has been conducting round-the-clock operations across its jurisdiction to curb illegal activities.
Mazbat Range Officer Mintu Boro warned those involved in illegal timber trade and unauthorised sawmill operations of stringent legal action. He also appealed to the public to report any illegal sawmill or timber-related activities in the Mazbat Forest Range to enable the department to take prompt action.
