Illegal transportation of minor minerals: DFO orders inquiry

From our Correspondent

DIGBOI, February 2 : Following the seizure of 10 trucks (dumpers) laden with minor minerals without transit permit recently from various locations on NH 38 between Digboi and Makum by police and forest protection staff, the DFO Digboi Division has adopted stern measures and has ordered immediate inquiry into the incident.

On the same night, 16 more vehicles loaded with forest minor mineral resources were seized by a local NGO, Green Bud Society in association with forest personnel and Digboi Police.

However, following the submission of around Rs 3.50 lakh as royalty and other applicable pelty beside other legal proceedings towards the established crime, the vehicles were released on Monday.

Meanwhile, based on the memorandum submitted by the NGO concerned to the Deputy Commissioner of Tinsukia regarding illegal transition of forest resources through various forest check gates including Jagun, Lekhapani, Margherita and Digboi, DFO Digboi Sirajuddin Ahmed, who was on an official tour to Guwahati that night, accepted moral responsibility and said that the trucks were seized immediately after receiving information and legal measures were initiated thereafter against the culprits.

When asked about the lapses on the part of Rangers of the division that might have led to easy exploitation and transportation of forest resources having possible nexus with businessmen, Ahmed said that an inquiry into the matter was being carried out by NN Deka, the ACF, and on receiving the report he would act firmly as per the laid down provisions. Ahmed added that all the Rangers had been served with notice of caution with orders to completely tackle the mece, besides intensifying the forest patrolling across the division.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Puru Gupta said that he would persolly inquire into the matter and expressed dissatisfaction with the work of the rangers and ACFs of the division.