Negligence, Illegal Logging Expose Crisis in Assam's Forest Governance

While the entire state is observing 'Van Mahotsav' dedicated to forest conservation, a disturbing scene unfolded at the Katigorah Kalain Range Office under the Sribhumi district forest division. As per sources, some forest personnel were found neglecting their duties and playing cards during working hours.

Sources revealed that this incident took place at the Kalain Range Office, which has already been in the news for various controversies in recent months. On the day of the incident, a few forest personnel were seen fully engrossed in a game of cards inside office premises.

When journalists arrived to document the situation, the forest workers reportedly attempted to flee. No official response could be obtained as the Range Officer was on leave at the time. Taking advantage of the officer’s absence, the workers had allegedly turned the office into a place for leisure instead of fulfilling their responsibilities.

In a separate and equally alarming development, the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba-Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) conducted a field visit to the Abhaypur Reserved Forest in Charaideo district's Sonari after receiving reports of rampant forest destruction.

The team of AJYCP members led by President Palash Changmai, entered deep into the forest area and was left stunned by the scene they encountered. Once a thriving forest filled with large, mature trees, the area has now been reduced to a few surviving bamboo groves. The thick bamboo stands are now all that remain to protect the identity of the reserve.

The student leaders allege that illegal timber traders from neighboring Nagaland have been allegedly cutting down valuable trees, leaving behind a barren landscape. The team expressed grave concern over the unchecked deforestation and demanded immediate action from the forest department and the government.

These two separate but interconnected incidents highlight a deeper crisis in Assam’s forest administration, on one hand, gross negligence by forest workers; on the other, unchecked destruction of forest land due to illegal timber trade.

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