Simsanggre, Sept. 29: An RTI reply from the Simsanggre Range Forest Office has raised questions over the operation of a private nursery reportedly located on State Forest Land at Baiza under the East & North Garo Hills (T) Division.
RTI activist and social worker Jackiqus D. Sangma has filed a complaint before the Deputy Commissioner of East Garo Hills, seeking an official enquiry and necessary action into the matter.
Sangma had sought information under the RTI Act on September 11 regarding the allotment of nursery land at Baiza. In a reply dated September 23, the Assistant Conservator of Forest, I/C Simsanggre Range, stated that information sought on all five points was “Not available in the records of the Simsanggre Range Office.”
The RTI response has prompted questions over whether the nursery has valid government allotment, lease or settlement documents, survey and demarcation records, payment details, entries in the government allotment register and required forest-related permissions.
Sangma has urged the Deputy Commissioner to direct a joint spot verification by the Divisional Forest Officer and Range Officer, Simsanggre Range, and to require the nursery operator to produce relevant documents authorising the use of the land. He has further sought appropriate legal action if the nursery is found to be operating without valid permission, including action under applicable forest laws and rules.
The complainant has also requested the DFO, East & North Garo Hills (T) Division, to submit an Action Taken Report within 15 days. The complaint was submitted in the stated public interest of safeguarding State Forest Land, with copies of the RTI reply and complaint enclosed for reference.
Leave a Reply