Sawmills being set up near forest

Two sawmills are being set up within 10 kilometres of Langla Reserve Forest in Kulaura upazila of the district, violating the rules.
Furniture traders Amir Hossain and Tahir Ali have started setting up the sawmills beside a kindergarten school at Robir Bazar in the upazila on May 27 without prior permission of the divisional forest department.
Being informed by locals, the divisional forest officer (DFO) asked Kulaura range official to visit the spot and take necessary steps in this regard.
On instructions of Range official Balram Sen, Naldory and Muroichhari beat official went to the spot four days ago and asked Amir Hossain and Tahir Ali to stop setting up of the two sawmills, but to no effect.
According to Sawmill (licence) rules 1998, any such factory within 10 kilometres of any reserve forest is illegal. The two traders are doing the job, violating the rules, Balram said.
Contacted, Sylhet Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Abul Bashar Mia said if traders Amir Hossain and Tahir Ali don't stop installing the sawmills, legal action will be taken against them.