Assam: Corruption allegations rock West Kamrup Forest Division as illegal timber trade flourishes

Allegations of widespread corruption have surfaced against the West Kamrup Forest Division, with reports suggesting that inspections are being conducted selectively, prioritizing revenue collection over curbing illegal activities.

According to sources, under the supervision of the Singra Forest Range Officer, forest officials allegedly stop sand-laden trucks to collect money rather than enforce regulations against illegal operations. Timber and coal-laden vehicles including Tata DI and Mahindra Bolero pickups reportedly pass daily through the forest route without scrutiny, highlighting an apparent indifference to the illegal timber trade.

Night time inspections along National Highway 17 are reportedly limited to checking the documents of sand trucks. Vehicles carrying sand from various parts of Goalpara are stopped, and in cases of minor document discrepancies, forest guards reportedly board the dumper temporarily, allowing the vehicle to proceed a short distance before payment is collected. Sources claim this practice has become a method of generating revenue rather than regulating forest resources.

Meanwhile, highly valuable trees such as Sal and Teak are being cut and transported using heavy machinery, particularly from Jaokata, a region under the West Kamrup Forest division. Illegal timber reportedly reaches urban areas unimpeded during night hours, even as repeated reports of illegal timber mills go unanswered during the day.

Environmental activists and local residents have expressed concern over the continued felling of valuable tree species, calling for an immediate investigation into the alleged corruption and negligence.