Brahma cracks whip on earth cutting at Palashbari

Our  Correspondent
Mirza, June 4: Shocked at the rampant earth cutting in Palashbari (Mirza) forest range of East Kamrup division, Forest minister Pramila Rani Brahma today directed forest officials to immediately stop the mece. The Forest minister, who made a surprise visit to the area, was perturbed to see that the hills being flattened in the area despite the prohibitory orders in place. The minister was accompanied by South Kamrup DC Rajib Prakash Barua, SP Prashanta Saikia, Principle Secretary (Forest) Sanjeev Kumar besides other senior officials during her visit. The locals told her that the Forest department was turning its back on the problem despite being informed of the mece. On June 1, the DC had seized excavators, dumpers and Falkland machines during an operation in the area.  "I have categorically told the officials that earth cutting must stop immediately. We will not tolerate any corruption or irregularities in the department. If any officer of the department is involved in any irregularity, strict action will be initiated," the Forest minister told reporters after the visit.