Shillong: Meghalaya authorities have intensified their crackdown on illegal timber trade, seizing more than 225 cubic metres of unlawfully felled wood over the past two years. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma disclosed these figures during the Budget Session while responding to queries from MLA Rupa Marak regarding illegal sawmill operations in the Chibinang area.
Sangma detailed the seizures, revealing that 190.8408 cubic metres of illegal timber were confiscated in 2023-2024, with an additional 35.75 cubic metres seized in the current fiscal year. He further confirmed that two illegal sawmills identified in Chibinang during 2023-24 were shut down as part of enforcement measures.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the Forest Department’s legal actions against timber smugglers, stating that 101 offence reports have been filed over the last five years. Names of individuals booked and charge-sheeted were tabled in the House, reinforcing the government’s commitment to tackling illegal logging operations.
Reaffirming Meghalaya’s stance on forest conservation, Sangma assured that authorities would maintain strict vigilance and take necessary legal measures to curb timber smuggling and protect the state’s green cover.
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