The Assam Government informed the Assembly that 8 wildlife sanctuaries and 281 reserve forests remain under encroachment.

More About the News

• The Assam Government has stated that over 3.14 lakh hectares of forest land across 8 wildlife sanctuaries and 281 reserve forests are under illegal encroachment. 
• The issue highlights the continuing challenge of balancing forest conservation, habitat restoration and livelihood concerns while protecting Assam’s rich biodiversity.

Key Highlights

• A total of 3,14,139.44 hectares of forest land remains under encroachment, including 17,421.5 hectares in wildlife sanctuaries and 2,96,717.94 hectares in reserve forests.
• The State Government has reclaimed about 25,589 hectares of encroached forest land since 2016, including 16,937 hectares during the last five years.
• Around 2,531 hectares of reclaimed land have been restored through afforestation and ecological regeneration.
• Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary has the highest encroached area (about 10,000 hectares), while Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary has the lowest (about 11.7 hectares).
• The Janmadin Seuj Shapat Udyan initiative encourages citizens to plant a sapling on their birthdays to strengthen public participation in afforestation.

Why is it Important?

• Forest encroachment causes habitat fragmentation, reducing the movement and breeding space of wildlife.
• It has contributed to an increase in human-elephant conflict, resulting in the loss of both human and elephant lives.
• Restoring degraded forests is essential for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, water security and maintaining ecological balance.

Key Facts

• Assam’s forest cover stands at about 28,313.55 sq. km, accounting for 36.1% of the State’s geographical area (India State of Forest Report 2023).
• Assam is home to globally important protected areas such as Kaziranga, Manas, Nameri and Orang, making forest conservation strategically important.

Exam Hook – Prelims

Q. Which of the following Acts primarily provides legal protection to wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India?

(a) Forest Rights Act, 2006
(b) Indian Forest Act, 1927
(c) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
(d) Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Answer: (c)

One-line Wrap:

Protecting Assam’s forests from encroachment is essential for conserving biodiversity, reducing human-wildlife conflict and ensuring long-term ecological security.