Assam: Concern over Illegal Tree Felling in Mahamaya Range Forest

A Correspondent

DHUBRI: Aranya Surakha Samiti (ASS) expressed deep concern over clandestine tree felling in Sisty Range of Mahamaya Forest Range in the Parbatjhora of Kokrajhar district. On Sunday, a four-member team including Mahamaya unit of samity president, Pakritish Saha and secretary, Nazrul Islam led by its secretary general, Dr. Haricharan Das surveyed in and around the forest for taking stock of tree felling and destruction of habitat of many a rare species of aves, fauna and flora.

Talking to The Sentinel Dr. Das said that it pained him to see that giant trees were chopped down with help of portable battery operated hand machine.

“ We have been demanding the government to declare the Mahamaya Forest Range as a wildlife Sanctuary since 2001. In 2003, the committee had launched a signature campaign, which was inaugurated by former Chief Minister Sarat Chandra Sinha”, Dr. Das added.

He said that Mahamaya Forest Range having area of over 1,000 hectares is home to various endangered species such as leopard, elephant, deer, python, and the rare white-ramped vulture, among others, but  due to rampant destruction of habitat, their survival is at stake.

Dr. Das while reiterating on the demand for the forest as wildlife sanctuary said that the use of battery-operated tree-felling machines has made it easier for timber smugglers to chop the tree and in view of this, he demanded ban of such machines and it should be prohibited not only in Assam but throughout the country.  The committee also demanded Rajapara forest range in Mahamaya as a Jatayu Park, which is the habitat of the rare white-ramped vulture.

Also Read: Assam: Environmentalists Raise Alarm After Century-Old Trees Felled For Highway Expansion In Bongaigaon

Also Watch: