GOLAGHAT, May 31 – The forests in Golaghat district are facing a virtual wipe out. The roads along which trees were beautifully lined now look much the worse for a malady of epidemic proportions – timber smuggling. This practice has taken its toll on the entire area even if families live life to the fullest from profits earned through this clandestine trade.
In Golaghat district, till a couple of years ago, huge trees, planted in the pre-independence time, would stand clustered nicely on both sides of the highways. Those trees would not only protect the highways from erosion but are considered enormously important for the ecological balance as well. Ministers and government officials who pass through these places like Kaziranga, Deopahar, Garampani, Numbor choose not to take notice.
According to data available here, Numbor, Doigurung, Tengani, Upper Doigurung, Deopahar Doyang reserved forest areas under Golaghat district have been occupied by immigrants Nagas and non-Nagas under the very nose of the forest authorities. These reserved forests have become the heaven for illegal timber smuggling for the last several years. These were once green virgin forests famous for valuable trees like – sali, gamari, segun, titasopa, bansom, salakh etc. It is learnt that the timber businessmen encouraged the local poor people to fell trees from deep jungle and to transport these by means of hand carts and bullock carts. The people deliver the logs to the businessmen at the site where trucks could be parked. These logs are being transported outside the district through illegal lien transit passes – obtained from some of the local forest officials.
Golaghat district’s forests are spread over an area of 42,687 hectares. The areas near the villages are most vulnerable. The forest protection force is hardly a friend in need. The security staff posted in remote areas are bullied by the local mafia. Sources said, some people are involved in the smuggling of valuable logs like sisu, segun, and titasopa. Many students have even left their schools and colleges and are involved in the timber smuggling for earning money it is learnt.