A proposal has been submitted to grant wildlife sanctuary status to four reserve forests in Upper Assam amid concerns over illegal coal mining.

• An environmental activist has urged the Government of Assam to notify Tirap, Tipong, Saleki and Makumpani Reserve Forests under the Digboi Forest Division as Wildlife Sanctuaries. 
• The move aims to protect the ecologically sensitive Tirap–Tipong forest corridor, which lies near Dehing Patkai National Park (231.65 square kilometres).
• The concern arises due to alleged rat-hole coal mining activities in the Jagun, Lekhapani and Margherita forest ranges along the Assam–Arunachal Pradesh border.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in India

• They are established under Section 18 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, primarily by State Governments.
• Authority: State Governments (primarily) can declare, alter, or revoke sanctuary boundaries, though the Central Government can also declare them under specific conditions.
• Classification: Classified under IUCN Category IV.
• Protection Level: Less restrictive than National Parks, with focus on specific species/ecosystems.
• Management: Managed by the State Forest Department under the Chief Wildlife Warden.
• Numbers: As of 2026, there are 573 wildlife sanctuaries in India, covering approximately 3.76% of the country’s total land area.
• Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (First in India, 1928), Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary (Largest), Kutch Bustard Sanctuary (Smallest).

Why Sanctuary Status?

• Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, wildlife sanctuaries receive stronger legal safeguards than reserve forests. Once notified:
  • Mining and extractive activities are strictly regulated or prohibited.
  • Habitat protection for species such as elephants and other wildlife is strengthened.
  • Critical river systems and forest corridors receive statutory backing.
  • Administrative clarity improves in disputed or shifting boundary areas.
• Provided constitutional backing is provided through Article 48A and Article 51A(g).

Ecological Significance

• The forests form part of the Dehing Patkai landscape, known for rich biodiversity and elephant corridors.
• The area connects to sensitive border zones, making conservation important for both ecology and governance.
• The Supreme Court in November 2025 directed prohibition of mining within one kilometre of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, reinforcing legal deterrence.

Operates Under:

• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• Supreme Court directives on mining near protected areas
• State Forest Department under Assam Government

Objective:

• Prevent illegal mining.
• Strengthen biodiversity conservation.
• Secure forest corridors and river systems.
• Reduce jurisdictional ambiguity in border areas.

Exam Hook: 

Which of the following statements regarding a Wildlife Sanctuary under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is correct?

(a) Mining is freely allowed with state permission.
(b) It provides stronger statutory protection than a reserve forest.
(c) It can only be declared by the Union Government.
(d) No human activity is allowed under any circumstances.

Answer: (b)

One-line wrap: Granting sanctuary status to Upper Assam forests could legally shield fragile ecosystems from illegal mining and strengthen biodiversity conservation.

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