Cooch Behar: Illegal sand, stone trade on forest land raises alarms

The materials are reportedly being transported under the cover of darkness using heavy vehicles, including trucks and dumpers

- SHASHIKESH ROY

COOCH BEHAR: Allegations have surfaced regarding illegal sand and stone quarrying on Forest department land in Madhubhasha Khair Bagan, located in the Atiya Mochar range of Cooch Behar Forest Division, under the Rampur-II Gram Panchayat of the Tufanganj-II block. According to local sources, large quantities of sand and stones are being extracted from the Raidak River and stockpiled on protected forest land — where entry is strictly prohibited without offic