Assam Forest Minister Takes Strong Stance Against Forest Encroachment

Assam's Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah has taken a strong stance against forest encroachment in the Behali Reserve Forest. Following a visit to the area, he directed forest officials and police to take strict action against those involved in forest destruction. The minister also raised concerns about potential collusion within the Forest Department and ordered an investigation into the matter. He emphasized the need for immediate restoration efforts and better protection measures for the reserve. With a commitment to safeguarding the environment, Baruah stated that the government would not tolerate further degradation of forest areas.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 16, 2026, 17:07 IST

Minister's Visit to Behali Reserve Forest

Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah in Behali Reserve Forest on Thursday

Biswanath, July 16: During his recent inspection of the Dikal and Radhasu Forest Protection Camps within the Behali Reserve Forest, Assam's Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah emphasized the need for strict measures against individuals involved in forest degradation and land encroachment.

The minister has also initiated an investigation into the suspected complicity of Forest Department staff in the ongoing environmental damage.

"I want to make it clear that forest officials should act decisively on-site. If the situation demands, they are authorized to use firearms without hesitation. The Assam government stands behind them," he stated.

Baruah expressed concerns about potential internal collusion, suggesting that some Forest Department officials may have connections with alleged offenders from Arunachal Pradesh, who have reportedly been clearing forest areas for several months.

"This activity has been ongoing for the past six months, and it is possible that some officials are involved. Therefore, I have instructed that the call detail records (CDRs) of all personnel at the Forest Range Office be scrutinized," he added.

The minister further ordered the Forest Department to file cases against those accused of forest destruction and land encroachment in Assam.

"From what I have observed, there is no political or border conflict involved. A group of individuals is destroying the forest to claim land for palm oil cultivation," he remarked.

To enhance the protection of the reserve, he directed relevant departments to build an alternative access road to the forest and improve facilities for forest guards and battalion personnel.

He also announced that efforts to restore the damaged forest would commence on Friday.

"It is disheartening to witness the forest in such a state. The Forest Department will assign the Ecological Task Force to oversee the restoration of the affected areas. The Assam Police and the forest battalion will collaborate for the area's protection. Instructions have also been given to carry out necessary development projects related to roads and camps. An additional road is needed, as there are locations we could not access promptly," he stated.

Reiterating the government's zero-tolerance policy towards further forest destruction, Baruah assured that the Assam Police and the forest battalion would work together to safeguard the reserve.

"The battalion must be proactive in forest protection. If there are border disputes, we will address them through political means. However, using boundary disputes as a pretext for forest destruction is unacceptable," he concluded.