Encroachment and Tree-Felling Continue to Threaten Behali Reserve Forest

Why in the News?

The Behali Reserve Forest in Assam has witnessed fresh incidents of encroachment, illegal tree-felling, and attacks on forest personnel, raising concerns over biodiversity conservation and the long-pending proposal to notify the area as the Behali Wildlife Sanctuary.

More About the News

Located along the Assam–Arunachal Pradesh border in Biswanath district, Behali Reserve Forest is one of Northeast India’s most ecologically significant forests. Increasing encroachment, illegal logging, and unresolved boundary disputes are threatening its biodiversity and ecological connectivity.

Key Highlights

• Behali Reserve Forest has been proposed to be upgraded into the Behali Wildlife Sanctuary.
• In May 2022, it received a preliminary notification as a Wildlife Sanctuary covering about 157.25 sq. km under the Borgang Forest Range in the Sonitpur East Forest Division.
• The final notification is still pending, delaying stronger legal protection under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Illegal encroachment and tree-felling, mainly from the Arunachal Pradesh side, have intensified in recent months.
• Forest personnel were reportedly attacked on 15 July 2026, highlighting the growing challenges in protecting the forest.
• Conservation groups have suggested using the Survey of India map as the basis for resolving the Assam–Arunachal Pradesh boundary dispute affecting the forest.

Why is Behali Reserve Forest Important?

• Located within the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot, one of the world’s richest biodiversity regions.
• Functions as a crucial wildlife corridor connecting Kaziranga National Park, Nameri Tiger Reserve, and Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Provides an important migration route for Asian elephants and several other wildlife species.
• Recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA).
• Supports:
  • 308 native plant species, including several endemic species.
  • 49 mammal species.
  • More than 280 bird species, including the Great Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, and Oriental Pied Hornbill.
  • 275 butterfly species, along with numerous reptiles and amphibians.

About Behali Reserve Forest

• Located in Biswanath district, Assam, in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas.
• Originally notified as a Reserve Forest in 1917.

Major Rivers

• Borgang River – Forms the western boundary.
• Buroi River – Forms the eastern boundary.
• Other important streams include Behali, Bedeti, Bihmari, Borajuli, Dikal, Diring, Kochujan, Kolaguri, Naharjan, Nasbor, Sauldhowa, and Sukansuti.

Major Threats

• Encroachment and illegal deforestation.
• Forest fragmentation.
• Boundary disputes along the Assam–Arunachal Pradesh border.

Conservation Challenges

• Illegal encroachment and timber extraction continue to reduce forest cover.
• Boundary disputes between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh complicate forest protection.
• Limited manpower and infrastructure restrict effective forest patrolling.
• Delay in granting Wildlife Sanctuary status weakens long-term conservation efforts.

Way Forward

• Issue the final notification for the Behali Wildlife Sanctuary without further delay while resolving disputed areas separately.
• Resolve interstate boundary disputes through scientific surveys and coordinated action.
• Strengthen forest protection infrastructure, increase manpower, and improve surveillance to curb illegal activities.
• Promote community participation and habitat restoration to conserve this globally significant ecosystem.

Prelims Practice Question

Q. Behali Reserve Forest, recently seen in the news, is important because it:

• (a) Serves as a wildlife corridor connecting Kaziranga, Nameri and Pakke landscapes. ✅
• (b) Is India’s largest mangrove forest.
• (c) Is the only habitat of the Indian rhinoceros.
• (d) Is a Ramsar Site.

One-line Wrap

Behali Reserve Forest is a biodiversity-rich wildlife corridor whose conservation is vital for protecting Assam’s forests, hornbills, elephants, and ecological connectivity across the Eastern Himalayas.