Assam: Dhubri forest department dismantles two illegal sawmills, seizes timber in char area raid

The Dhubri Forest Department has dismantled two illegal band sawmills and seized a large quantity of timber during a raid in a remote char area of the district, officials said on Friday, June 19.
 

The operation was carried out in Maderteri Char, a riverine area known for its difficult terrain and limited accessibility. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, forest personnel raided the location and uncovered two unauthorised sawmills allegedly involved in the illegal processing of timber.
 

During the operation, officials seized a substantial stockpile of timber, including valuable Sal and Teak logs, along with sawmill machinery and other equipment used in logging activities. The seized materials were later transported to the district headquarters and placed under the custody of the Forest Department.
 

The enforcement drive was launched under the direction of Dhubri Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Golap Kumar Bania. A joint team comprising forest officials and personnel from various units was formed to carry out the operation.
 

The raid was led on the ground by Ranger Officer Salam Sarkar, with support from officials of the Dhubri Forest Check Post and the Forest Protection Force.
 

Forest officials said the remoteness of char areas often provides cover for illegal timber operations, making enforcement a challenge. However, they asserted that the department remains committed to curbing forest-related offences and preventing the unlawful exploitation of natural resources.
 

According to officials, further anti-smuggling and anti-deforestation drives will be intensified across Dhubri's border regions and riverine islands in an effort to dismantle illegal timber networks operating in the district.
Further investigation is underway.