Probe demanded against forest ranger

From a Correspondent
MARGHERITA, November 28: After the formation of the BJP-led government in Assam, State Forest Minister Pramila Rani Brahma had said that destruction of trees and forest resources would not be tolerated and strict punishment would be given to people who destroy forest resources. However, under Digboi Forest Division of Lekhapani Forest Range office in Margherita subdivision, illegal felling of precious trees by timber mafia has allegedly been going on since many months. Sources alleged a section of Forest staff has an unholy nexus with timber mafia and many precious trees have been chopped at Lal Pahar Paharpur under Lekhapani Forest Range office. More than 50 valuable trees such as Mekai, Khakan, Bonbagori and Hilikha have been chopped by the timber mafia. Devajit Moran, general secretary of Green Bud Society (NGO), has demanded a judicial enquiry against Bidhu Bhushan Das, Forest Ranger of Lekhapani Forest Range office.