Assam has intensified its anti-encroachment drive across protected areas, with official data indicating that nearly 1.44 lakh bighas of land in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are under encroachment. 

The State has 8 National Parks and 17 Wildlife Sanctuaries, forming a critical part of India’s biodiversity network under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

In the past four years, around 44,000 bighas have been cleared through phase-wise eviction. Sanctuaries such as Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary, Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary have faced significant pressure from cultivation and commercial activities.

Ecological Impact

• Encroachment disrupts wildlife corridors and breeding grounds.
• Post-eviction reports show improved habitat quality for rhinos, tigers, hoolock gibbons and spectacled monkeys.
• Elephant movement has resumed in Laokhowa after clearance.
• Natural springs in hill districts had dried due to land-use changes.

Springshed and Watershed Management

To restore ecological balance, the State has launched springshed management in hill districts such as Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao.

• 36 springs have been rejuvenated so far.
• The Government of India sanctioned schemes for 16 additional springs.
• Focus on watershed development, climate resilience and community water security.

These efforts align with national commitments under the National Wildlife Action Plan (2017–2031) and India’s climate adaptation goals.

Exam Hook: 

Consider the following statements:

1. Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks are governed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
2. Springshed management is linked to watershed-based ecological restoration.
3. Commercial activities are legally permitted inside core areas of National Parks.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

One-line wrap:
Assam’s eviction and spring rejuvenation drive reflects the growing integration of biodiversity conservation with climate resilience and sustainable development.

Source