Illegal charcoal trade flourishes in Dibrugarh amid alleged large-scale forest destruction

Allegations of rampant forest destruction and an illegal charcoal trade have surfaced in Assam's Dibrugarh district, with locals claiming that timber smugglers are felling valuable trees in the Dibru-Saikhowa forest area despite the state government's crackdown on forest crimes.

According to the allegations, smugglers are taking advantage of the ongoing monsoon to illegally cut valuable trees inside the Dibru-Saikhowa forest and secretly stockpile the timber at designated locations.

The timber is then reportedly transported by boat through the Brahmaputra River to nearby riverine islands (chars), where it is partially burnt and buried under silt for several days to produce charcoal.

The illegally produced charcoal is allegedly being supplied in large quantities across Dibrugarh, particularly to households, hotels, roadside eateries and blacksmith workshops.

Sources alleged that several tonnes of charcoal are transported daily and sold in the black market at around Rs 600 per sack.

Locals have questioned the role of the Forest Department and the district administration, alleging that the illegal trade has continued unchecked despite strict directives issued by Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah against forest encroachment and timber smuggling.

Questions have also been raised over who is behind the alleged racket and whether the operators are enjoying official patronage.

Residents have demanded a high-level inquiry into the alleged illegal charcoal network and immediate action to curb the destruction of forests and the thriving black-market trade in charcoal.