Forest department launches drive against illegal excavation in Rani

A CORRESPONDENT

PALASBARI: In a major crackdown on illegal excavation, a team of forest officials seized a JCB vehicle on Sunday from Belguri in Rani, a Meghalaya border-adjacent area on the outskirts of Guwahati, while it was being used to illegally cut government land.

According to sources, an individual identified as Dhanmani Mahanta had allegedly been excavating government land located along the edge of a reserved forest area near his periodic patta land for the past few days. The earth was reportedly being transported to different locations using dumpers.

Acting on specific information, Rani Range Forest Officer Roji Barman led a Forest Department team to the spot during the daytime and managed to seize the JCB while the illegal earth-cutting was in progress.

However, upon noticing the arrival of the forest officials, the JCB operator and another associate reportedly fled the scene.

Later, the forest team brought the seized JCB to the office of the Rani Range Forest Officer.

Also Read: Illegal land excavation in Sivasagar threatens wildlife, locals demand action