Assam govt intensifies crackdown on illegal timber trade: Forest Minister
Guwahati, June 30
Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah on Tuesday said the state government has intensified its crackdown against illegal timber operations, with a total of 23 enforcement actions carried out across the state as part of its ongoing drive against illegal logging and sawmills.
In a post on X, the minister said the "mission mode" operation launched by the Forest Department was yielding results across Assam and reaffirmed the government's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against illegal timber trade.
According to Mallabaruah, 11 illegal band saw mills have been seized in the Northern Assam Circle, while three such mills were seized in the Eastern Assam Circle during the ongoing enforcement campaign.
He also shared details of the latest action taken in the Lower Assam Zone on Tuesday, where forest officials seized and dismantled five illegal band saw mills operating in North Kamrup, Hailakandi and Sribhumi districts.
Besides the sawmills, the Forest Department also seized three illegal timber shops located in North Kamrup, Hailakandi and Sribhumi. One timber sizing machine was also confiscated during the operation in Hailakandi district.
Calling the drive only the beginning of a sustained campaign, Mallabaruah asserted that the state government would continue its crackdown until all illegal timber operations were brought to justice.
"This is just the beginning. We remain committed to zero tolerance against illegal logging and the illicit timber trade. The drive will continue relentlessly until every illegal operation is brought to justice," the minister wrote on X.
An infographic shared by the minister showed that 23 enforcement actions were taken across Assam, reflecting the government's intensified focus on curbing illegal logging and protecting forest resources.
The Assam government has repeatedly maintained that illegal felling of trees and unauthorised timber trade pose a serious threat to the state's forests and biodiversity.
The Forest Department has been conducting coordinated enforcement drives across different forest circles to dismantle illegal sawmills, seize timber-processing equipment, and curb the illicit transportation of timber.
The latest operation comes as the state government continues to strengthen measures to protect Assam's forests and wildlife while enforcing stricter action against offenders involved in illegal timber-related activities.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I appreciate the effort, but why is this only making news now? Illegal timber trade has been rampant for decades in the Northeast. Should have been done sooner. Let's see how long the 'sustained campaign' lasts—we need permanent monitoring, not just raids.
Great news for Assam's environment! But I hope the government also looks at the root causes—unemployment and poverty drive many to illegal timber cutting. If we provide alternative livelihoods, this problem will solve itself. Enforcement plus welfare, that's the way forward.
Interesting to see Assam taking this seriously. As someone from the US, I know how devastating illegal logging can be for local ecosystems. 23 enforcement actions is a start, but I hope they're also tracking the supply chain—where's this timber ending up? That's the real question.
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