Administration orders ban on tree felling, killing wildlife in South West Garo Hills

Newmai News Network
TURA, May 10: In a very well received move, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of South West Garo Hills (SWGH) district has ordered a blanket ban over the felling of trees in the district along with a ban on killing wildlife.
The move, which is likely to be emulated in other parts of the region, comes about even as residents of the region complain about the lack of water despite Garo Hills always being rich in flora and fauna.
In a statement issued on Friday, DC Ramkumar S stated that the ban was necessitated due to the wanton destruction of forests and animals by people or groups which would in all likelihood result in the destruction of catchment areas.
The officer further stated that the order comes into force with immediate effect and would continue till further notice.
Garo Hills faces an unprecedented crisis, with water resources being completely destroyed due to either the practice of ‘jhumming’ and illegal felling of trees for the black timber market in the state as well as other parts of India.