Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah on Thursday, 16 July pledged immediate restoration of forest cover in Behali Wildlife Sanctuary, Biswanath district, after satellite imagery confirmed large-scale tree felling in the protected area over the past six months. The minister, who personally visited the sanctuary to assess ground conditions, warned of stringent action against those responsible.

What Satellite Images Revealed

According to Mallabaruah, satellite data showed that a substantial stretch of forest — densely covered with trees as recently as six months ago — had since been systematically cleared. The scale of destruction prompted the minister to conduct an on-site inspection alongside senior officials from the Forest Department, Assam Police, and other agencies.

'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,' the minister said.

Government's Immediate Response

Mallabaruah announced that plantation drives would be launched without delay in all affected areas. He was categorical that the state government had no role in the destruction and attributed it to 'anti-social elements' acting for personal gain.

'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.

Both the Forest Department and Assam Police have been directed to initiate stringent action against those found responsible. A detailed damage assessment is also underway.

Border Dispute Not a Justification

The minister addressed speculation linking the deforestation to the Assam–Arunachal Pradesh inter-state boundary dispute, firmly rejecting any such connection. He noted that the border issue is being handled through a regional committee mechanism under directions from the Gauhati High Court and the Supreme Court.

'The border dispute is a separate matter. 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.

Broader Context and What's Next

Behali Wildlife Sanctuary is a critical biodiversity corridor in northeastern India, known for its elephant habitat and dense tropical forest. Encroachment and illegal felling in Assam's protected areas have been a recurring concern, with the state having undertaken several eviction drives in recent years. This incident marks one of the more significant reported cases of destruction within a designated wildlife sanctuary.

Authorities are expected to file cases against identified encroachers following the damage assessment. The government's commitment to restoring the affected stretch will be tested by the speed and scale of the plantation drive it has promised.