Digboi: The Digboi Forest Division has dismantled seven illegal sawmills and seized a truck allegedly transporting illegally sourced timber from Arunachal Pradesh in a major crackdown on timber smuggling along the Assam-Arunachal border.
The operations were launched following intelligence inputs about an organised network allegedly involved in illegal tree felling, clandestine timber processing and interstate transportation of forest produce. Acting on the information, the Forest Department conducted coordinated raids across Digboi, Golai and Saraipung under the supervision of Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Rohini Kumar Das.
Officials said all seven unauthorised sawmills identified during the raids were demolished. Timber-processing machines, power-operated cutting equipment and other tools allegedly used in illegal logging activities were also seized. The confiscated equipment has been taken into official custody, and legal proceedings under the relevant provisions of the forest laws have been initiated.
In a parallel operation, the Forest Department, with assistance from Assam Police, intercepted a truck bearing registration number AS01N-29879 at Jagun. The vehicle, allegedly carrying a consignment of illegally procured timber from Arunachal Pradesh to Tinsukia, was seized along with its cargo.
Officials said investigators are examining the source of the timber, its intended destination and those involved in the transportation. They suspect the seizure could help uncover a wider interstate timber-smuggling network operating along the Assam-Arunachal border.
The operations come amid the Assam government’s ongoing drive against illegal logging, timber trafficking and forest-related offences. Forest authorities said surveillance has been strengthened in vulnerable forest areas and key interstate transit routes as part of efforts to curb illegal timber trade.
The department reiterated that action would continue against those involved in illegal tree felling, timber smuggling and the operation of unauthorised sawmills, and appealed to the public to report forest-related offences.