BTC should take tough measures against forest destroyers, says BTC ex-deputy chief Kampa Borgoyari

KOKRAJHAR: Former deputy chief of BTC, Kampa Borgoyari, who was also the in-charge of the Forest department during the Hagrama Mohilary-led council government, said that BTC should take tough measures against the destroyers of forest and its resources.

Talking to reporters recently, Borgoyari said massive destruction of forest was taking place in Ultapani-Saralpara area along Indo-Bhutan border in the last two years but the department concerned has failed to check the destruction of forest and illegal encroachment as well. He alleged that felling of trees and illegal encroachments were going on in the reserved forest which needs stringent action. The department can take measures to deal with the forest destructors and illegal encroachers, he said adding that the wanton destruction of forests has threatened the animal habitats. The habitat of elephants and other wild animals in Ultapani reserved forest are declining in a serious manner. The elephant corridors had become human settlement zone.

It is to be mentioned that the felling of trees and illegal encroachments were going on unabated in Ultapani reserve forest which is attached to Raimana National Park. As many as 23 new villages have come up inside the reserved forest which is a big threat to the habitat of wild animals and eco system. Vast areas of reserved forest under Ultapani range of Haltugaon division have already been cleared and settled by encroachers in Saralpara area and western and northern part of Ultapani.

The EM of Forest, BTC Ranjit Basumatary in his resent statement told the media persons that there would be no compromise and excuse against the illegal encroachers and felling of trees. He said the eviction drive would be carried out in those areas where encroachments are taking place. He also said the department had already carried out survey and notice has been served to evict them.