Assam to restore forest cover in Behali, action against encroachers
Guwahati, July 16
Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah on Thursday said the state government would immediately restore forest cover in areas of Behali Wildlife Sanctuary where large‑scale destruction of trees has been reported, while warning of strict action against those responsible.
After visiting the sanctuary in Biswanath district, the minister said satellite imagery had revealed that a sizeable stretch of forest, which was densely covered with trees around six months ago, had since been cleared.
"We noticed through satellite images that a large portion of the forest has been destroyed over the past few months. That is why I came here personally to assess the situation on the ground," Mallabaruah told reporters.
He said senior officials from the Forest Department, Assam Police, and other agencies accompanied him during the inspection and that a detailed assessment of the damage would be carried out.
"Our immediate priority is to restore the forest. Wherever trees have been destroyed, we will undertake plantation drives without delay. Under no circumstances will the government encourage the destruction of forests," he said.
Mallabaruah alleged that the damage was caused by miscreants operating for personal gain and asserted that the state government had no role in such activities.
"Some anti‑social elements have carried out these acts for their own benefit. The government is taking the matter very seriously, and both the Forest Department and the police will initiate stringent action against those involved," he said.
Referring to the Assam‑Arunachal Pradesh border, the minister clarified that the inter‑state boundary issue should not be linked to forest destruction.
"The border dispute is a separate matter and is being addressed through the regional committee mechanism in accordance with the directions of the Gauhati High Court and the Supreme Court. But irrespective of the boundary issue, forests and trees must be protected. No one can justify felling trees in the name of a border dispute," Mallabaruah said.
He reiterated that the government remains committed to protecting Assam's forest resources and ensuring that those responsible for environmental damage are brought to justice.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I get the concern, but how can the government claim "no role" when satellite images have been showing deforestation for months? It's easy to blame "miscreants" without addressing the deeper issues like encroachment, weak enforcement, and maybe even local political interests. Actions will speak louder than words.
Very good step indeed! 🌳 But I wish the minister had also mentioned a timeline for the restoration. Also, what about the wildlife that has already been displaced - animals like elephants and birds that depend on these forests? Just planting trees won't bring back the ecosystem immediately. Need a comprehensive plan for habitat recovery too.
As someone who has worked on conservation projects in Assam, I can tell you this is a recurring pattern. The border dispute angle is a distraction - the real issue is weak forest surveillance and illegal logging syndicates operating with impunity. Need stricter laws like those in some Western countries where environmental crimes come with serious jail time.
Good to see the government acting swiftly. But I have a small suggestion - why not involve local communities in the restoration? The people of Biswanath love the forest and can be the best guardians. Offer them livelihood options through eco-tourism or forest patrolling jobs. That way they'll have a stake in protecting it. Top-down approaches rarely work in the long run.
I'm cautiously optimistic. The minister's statement about separating border disputes from forest protection is actually quite sensible - mixing issues only complicates solutions. However, let's be honest: Assam has seen many such promises before. The real test will
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