SMUGGLING OF FOREST TIMBER

Smuggling of forest timber through passenger train

Regular trafficking of forest timber especially form Dooars through the Alipurduar-Bamanhat passenger train is a cause of concern to the forest lovers and peace-loving passengers. Several organisations came out and raised their voice against the practice.

Some passengers alleged that a gang of miscreants uploads huge volume of timber in the train compartments and the toilets causing problems to the passengers. If opposed the miscreants threat them with dire consequences. The Alipurduar-Bamanhat passenger train is now nothing but a train of timber smugglers, they said. The miscreants download the illegally brought timber at railway stations like Cooch Behar and Dinhata. From the station those timber carried out to different places by handcarts.

A number of passengers alleged that the illegal practice is going on with active support of a section of railway security personnel and dishonest forest staff. The passengers demanded immediate action to curb the illegal practice in the interest of better passenger amenities. Dinhata Mahakuma Byabasayee Samiti, Dinhata Nagarik Unnayan Manch and other organisations are planning a movement to stop the menace.

On the otherhand, a senior official of the forest department at Cooch Behar claimed that they conduct regular raids to stop the timber smuggling through the trains. Their effort will continue in future too, he assured. A senior official of the Alipurduar division of the NF Railway said at Alipurduar that they received no specific complaint over smuggling of timber through the Alipurduar-Bamanhat passenger train. Steps would be taken after receiving of complaints, he said.