Guwahati, July 16: Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah on Thursday said the state government would immediately restore forest cover in areas of Behali Wildlife Sanctuary where large‑scale destruction of trees has been reported, while warning of strict action against those responsible.
After visiting the sanctuary in Biswanath district, the minister said satellite imagery had revealed that a sizeable stretch of forest, which was densely covered with trees around six months ago, had since been cleared. “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,” Mallabaruah told reporters.
He said senior officials from the Forest Department, Assam Police, and other agencies accompanied him during the inspection and that a detailed assessment of the damage would be carried out. “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.
Mallabaruah alleged that the damage was caused by miscreants operating for personal gain and asserted that the state government had no role in such activities. “Some anti‑social elements have carried out these acts for their own benefit. The government is taking the matter very seriously, and both the Forest Department and the police will initiate stringent action against those involved,” he said. Referring to the Assam‑Arunachal Pradesh border, the minister clarified that the inter‑state boundary issue should not be linked to forest destruction.
“The border dispute is a separate matter and is being addressed through the regional committee mechanism in accordance with the directions of the Gauhati High Court and the Supreme Court. 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. He reiterated that the government remains committed to protecting Assam’s forest resources and ensuring that those responsible for environmental damage are brought to justice.
IANS
