Concern over deforestation and pollution by brick kilns in South Kamrup

From a Correspondent

Boko, November 20: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar said in Shillong that the Centre was setting up a committee to conduct a detailed study on the issue of forest lands in the Northeast to ensure that forests are protected, communities benefitted and sustaible developments takes place.

Unfortutely smugglers are fully active in South Kamrup district. They cut trees in the forests and smuggle the timber logs to illegal mills.  The State Government has not collected a single rupee as revenue or tax, but forest personnel allegedly get good commission from the smugglers.

There are more than 20 brick industries in the village of Rajapara (Boko) but they all are allegedly illegal. As per norms, Bangla brick kilns are not legal. This kilns run by firewood and daily they consume nearly one medium tree.  So only in Rajapara village, daily at least 20 trees are consumed.

Moreover, these brick kilns pollute the air. Due to that, Muga silk worms and other non-commercial silk species are decreasing. Earlier this area was famous for oranges, pineapples and betel nuts. However, these products have reduced drastically due to this brick kilns and deforestation. Local villagers are helpless as these forests are their main source of livelihood. If villagers try to stop the timber smugglers they are threatened.  The forest department office in allegedly takes no action against the timber smugglers.

So by the time the Centre sets up a committee, the area will be converted to a desert, said local villagers.