Trinath
Billyground, Nov 03: Extensive lumbering activities along the main road in North Andaman is leading to unrest among ATR commuters. Between Budda Nallah and Rest Camp in North Andaman, the Forest Department utilising tuskers carryout logging activities disrupting normal traffic for hours on the ATR stretch. Moreover, lack of supervision by senior forest officials is reportedly adding to the troubles of motorists in the region, say sources.
“The Forest Department has become habitual to carry out lumbering activities during peak traffic on the ATR road between Budda Nallah and Rest Camp. Many a time, huge logs are found spread out on the main road blocking traffic. Commuters have to wait for hours till resumption of normal traffic on the road. Moreover, the massive elephants present at the spot terrify the commuters in the wake of some recent horrendous incidents. Senior forest officials from the Range Office, located 2 km away from the site, too abstain from proper supervision of the activities,” claim some commuters.
The Forest Department should immediately issue firm instruction to regulate logging activities alongside the Andaman Trunk Road. Senior officials of the Department viz. Rangers, Deputy Rangers etc should be directed to supervise the activities in person to prevent harassment to ATR commuters.
