SHILLONG: Despite the Supreme Court ban on illegal tree felling and trade, unauthorised saw mills are still operating in West Garo Hills. A good number of illegal saw mills are operating inside Hallaidanga Forest Range while others are functioning in Phulbari, Chibinang and Rajabala. Interestingly, most of them are owned by non-tribals. "Necessary steps are required to end this menace and save Garo Hills from becoming barren," All India Garo Union (AIGU) president C Marak said in a letter to Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy. Mr Marak stated that though the Forest Department had earlier seized illegal timber from saw mills around Hallaidanga Forest Range, no action had been taken to close down their operation. According to the AIGU leader, 15 illegal saw mills are located in Chibinang area, specially in villages like Poshkunipara, Polarbita, Borsibanda, Bangalkatta and Hagragram. Similar saw mills are found in the villages of Shamding, Nimaikatta, Gumaijora and Nayagaon in and around Phulbari. In Rajabala area, illegal saw mills are located at Sidakhandi and Bhaitbari. It may be mentioned here that in the recent past GSU had also expressed concern over indiscriminate felling of trees, even in reserve forests, due to the presence of illegal saw mills in most parts of Garo Hills.