KIMIN, Mar 7: The Jumi, Komasiki, Cher Green Plus Society (JKCGPS) in a representation to the range forest officer of the Subansiri range here in Papum Pare district claimed that illegal logging and smuggling of timber from the Panior Reserve Forest (PRF) along Raja Nala and Sele villages are continuing unabated.
The JKCGPS said that despite the raid conducted by the chief secretary at the PRF from 26 to 28 November, 2019, timber mafias are continuing with illegal logging and timber smuggling.
“In fact, after the visit of the fact-finding team led by Itanagar ADM Talo Potom, the timber mafias are carrying out illegal timber logging in a bigger way after the initial hiccup,” it said.
The JKCGPS said its volunteers have reported that at least 15 elephants, 20 to 30 automatic chainsaws, earthmovers, and trucks are operating in the PRF and the Sele-Pechi area.
It questioned the forest department’s sincerity in keeping a check on destruction of the ecosystem, saying the department was not doing enough to carry out its duties.
The JKCGPS said although it does not object to the use of timber for homes, it has requested the range forest officer to carry out 24×7 patrolling in Lichi and Upper and Lower Sher areas to stop rampant smuggling of illegally felled logs.
