Concerns Rise Over Potential Industrialization of Depota Elephant Corridor

Environmentalists and wildlife organizations are raising alarms over plans to hand over the Depota elephant corridor in Assam to industrialists. Despite assurances from the state's Forest Minister about protecting wildlife, there are ongoing efforts to denotify this crucial area, which serves as a safe passage for elephants migrating from nearby national parks. The destruction of signboards marking the corridor by land mafia has further fueled concerns. Activists are calling on the government to halt any industrial development in the region, warning of a strong movement to defend the corridor and its wildlife.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 6, 2026, 11:48 IST

Opposition to Industrial Takeover of Elephant Corridor

The area falls under the Tezpur revenue circle abutting NH-15

Tezpur, July 6: Environmental advocates and wildlife groups, including Hati Bandhu, have expressed strong opposition to a reported initiative by the Sonitpur district administration, in collaboration with the revenue and forest departments, to transfer control of the Depota elephant corridor to industrial developers.

This situation arises despite Assam's Forest Minister, Jayanta Malla Baruah, reiterating the importance of safeguarding the state's forests and wildlife.

Notably, this region is part of the Tezpur revenue circle, adjacent to NH-15, leading to Arimora Chapori on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River. It was designated as an elephant corridor to ensure safe passage for elephant herds migrating from Nameri National Park or Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary to the Arimora Chapori area, thereby reducing conflicts between elephants and local farmers.

Following the corridor's designation, two concrete signboards were installed to mark the area and assist in the movement of elephant herds. Unfortunately, several months ago, some land mafia, allegedly incited by non-indigenous industrialists, destroyed these signboards, prompting a strong backlash from environmental organizations.

In response to growing pressure from these groups and media outlets, the authorities reinstated the signboards.

However, there are ongoing attempts to revoke the corridor's designation, allegedly breaching the Wildlife Protection Act. It has been noted that under the guise of industrial development, significant construction projects have already encroached upon large agricultural areas near the elephant corridor.

Environmentalists and wildlife organizations are urging the Forest Department and the State government to avoid transforming the elephant corridor into an industrial zone. They have also warned of a robust democratic movement to safeguard the area.