Assam: AAMSU alleges illegal tree felling at Hailakandi government sericulture farm, seeks probe

Serious allegations of environmental violation and administrative lapses have surfaced in Hailakandi after the All Assam Minority Students’ Union (AAMSU), Hailakandi district unit, accused authorities of illegal felling of valuable and old trees at the Boldabolodi Government Sericulture Farm, raising questions over compliance with official work orders and departmental oversight.

According to AAMSU, trees were allegedly cut under the guise of pollarding Som and Soalu plants, a routine sericulture practice, but the operation reportedly went far beyond the scope of official permission. The organisation has submitted a formal complaint to the District Commissioner and the Assistant Director of the Sericulture Department, seeking immediate intervention.

The complaint states that a work order issued on December 29 had granted Minar Hussain Laskar permission to pollard only 100 Som and Soalu trees up to a height of seven feet. However, AAMSU alleged that the terms of the order were grossly violated, with several other valuable and mature trees felled illegally, allegedly in collusion with a departmental official.

The student body further alleged that mandatory post-cut treatment norms, including the application of a cow dung–soil paste on the cut portions to protect the trees, were not followed, pointing to negligence and disregard for prescribed environmental safeguards.

Terming the incident a matter of serious concern, AAMSU has demanded an immediate inquiry, spot verification of the site, and strict legal action against all those involved, warning that unchecked violations could cause irreversible damage to public resources and the environment.

The allegations have added to growing concerns over the protection of government-owned green assets and adherence to regulatory procedures in public departments, with demands mounting for transparency and accountability.