Road Contractor Detained Over Alleged Illegal Hill Excavation in Assam’s Rani Forest

Palasbari, November 15: The Forest Department has detained road contractor Nitu Sarma in connection with alleged illegal hill excavation at Damelia Basti near Garopara under the Rani Forest Range in Assam’s Kamrup district. The action followed a report published in The Assam Tribune highlighting the excavation of a hill near the Garopara forest beat office, reportedly to obtain earth for a road being upgraded under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) at an estimated cost of ₹40 lakh. Forest officials confirmed that a case has been registered under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891, with further legal proceedings initiated. Allegations of involvement by two other individuals are also being investigated. The incident has raised concerns over forest protection and monitoring, particularly as the excavation allegedly took place close to the forest beat office.