Gangtok:The BJP on Saturday alleged scams in the functioning of the Sikkim forest and roads and bridges departments during the tenure of the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM)
‘We are in Govt,(allies of ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha). ‘ Khangchendzonga National Park is facing deforestation. In La bdang, Tashiding Yuksom, massive Tree felling is taking place. Those involved, have been crossing borders, also. Subsequent to the public complaint, the Forest Department seized the wood that too from houses. Many wooden logs are still lying on the ground. The felling of trees has been done with machines. Villagers saw more than 100 old trees felled, BJP made effort to contact the Forest Department, they have endorsed the happening,,” claimed Raju Giri, Spokesperson BJP Sikkim Pradesh,here.
Giri alleged a possible nexus between “someone” from Forest Deptt and those felling trees in the protected area. Any common man will never dare to enter the protected forest, cut down trees and take home forest wealth!’ Such corruption is highly condemnable, said Giri.
“BJP Sikkim, wants Secretary of the Forest department to take action. Even sincere employees are requested to help stop it. The forest authorities are said to be investigating, but why is action not being taken? Hope, they do not decide to settle the matter silently or hush up,” added Giri. The residents of the area have also blamed certain public representatives,on condition of anonymity.
“A number of road accidents occur on JN road, to prevent such a risk looming over commuters it was decided to install barriers, but due to alleged corruption, nothing could be done,’ said Giri.
IK Rasaily, the party’s state IT Incharge, said ‘Without installing the barriers on road, the payment has been drawn amounting to Rs 50 Lakhs.The amount was sanctioned by Border Area Development Programme, in the interest of residents, the Army and tourists. When social audit was done it came to be revealed that no work was done. The only few barriers existing have been put up by Border Roads Organization,” said Rasaily.
The two leaders said the BJP would report the matter to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the court since it involved public funds.
