KHOWAI, May 17 (TIWN): Illegal Deforestation is practiced by the local people taking the chance of the carelessness of Forest Department in Khowai. The matter has recently been taken to the Additional DFO Pranjit Bhowmik.

According to the sources total 34 ADC villages, taking 173 km. area a forest land is made. In this area total 17,000 trees ought to be found. All kinds of trees as Teak, Sal, Gamai etc. were being planted there. Total Rs.95 lakhs was invested there. But presently in total 5 lakhs rupees plant can’t be found over there.

It has been reported that the local public are used to cut down the trees from this forest and sell openly in the market. Though the matter is on Forest Department’s eye, but officially no step has been taken against it. No urgency can be found within the forest department to save these plants and property.

Hence it has been reported from Forest Dept. that very soon this forest area will be covered by fencing. Hence it is to be seen how far the Forest Dept. would look after this matter seriously.