SHILLONG, JUN 29: In a crackdown on illegal logging, the Hollaidonga Range forest office under the West & South-West Garo Hills (Territorial) Division has dismantled four unauthorised sawmills operating in the Chibinang-Bolarbita and Selsella areas.
The enforcement drives were carried out on June 23 and June 29 following credible intelligence on clandestine sawmill operations, dealing a major blow to the illegal timber trade in the region.
Three sawmills were dismantled in Chibinang-Bolarbita, while one was shut down in Selsella.
DFO (Territorial), West & South-West Garo Hills, Shri Rupankar K Marak, said forest teams conducted surprise raids in the affected areas, resulting in the immediate closure of the illegal units.
During the raids, personnel intercepted newly set-up sawmills running under makeshift sheds and dismantled their mechanical frameworks, including heavy-duty bandsaw assemblies and driving wheels.
A substantial quantity of illegally procured timber logs was also seized from the sites.
The department confiscated three complete sawmill machine sets along with additional components — one electric motor, one platform, and one driving wheel.
Marak said the department is gathering information from multiple sources on other illegally established sawmills across the district and will continue stringent enforcement to curb timber-related violations.
The Forest Department reiterated its commitment to protecting forest resources and taking swift legal action against those involved in illegal logging and unauthorised sawmill operations.
 Division has dismantled four unauthorised sawmills operating in the Chibinang-Bolarbita and Selsella areas.){kind=link}