Guwahati: Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday directed the forest department to immediately stop the illegal trade of sand, stone chips and wood.
The chief minister directed the department to maintain records on how forest materials are being sent to different parts and an account of these resources being used.
"If there is any mismatch of records, strict action will be taken against the erring officials," he said.
Sonowal issued the directive during a meeting in Dibrugarh in Upper Assam.
An official statement released from the chief minister's office said the directive issued in view of allegations of illegal supply of sand, stone chips and wood.
Sonowal asked the forest department to supply the required amount of sand, stone chips to PWD to ensure uninterrupted flow of construction.
The order is expected to ease the stone chips crisis that the PWD is facing for which it has halted various construction projects in the state.
Sonowal asked the department to submit the exact requirement of sand and stone chips to the deputy commissioner of each district and he or she would issue order to the forest department there to supply the materials to the PWD.
Sonowal asked police to be on their toes and work in sync with the forest department. He asked the forest department to take local people into confidence and create a shield for the protection of forest resources. "With the advent of the tourist season in Assam and the inauguration of the Dhola-Sadiya bridge, there has been a phenomenon increase in tourist flow in Assam. In view of this, Sonowal asked the police to increase their vigil to ensure safety and security to the tourists," said the statement.
Dibrugarh MLA Prasanta Phukan, deputy commissioner Laya Madduri and Tinsukia deputy commissioner Oinam Charan Singh were present at the meeting.