Urgent Action Needed to Protect Behali Reserve Forest from Encroachment

The Behali reserve forest, located on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, is facing significant threats from encroachment and illegal logging. Recent incidents of armed attacks on forest personnel highlight the urgent need for government intervention. Despite a preliminary notification to upgrade the area to a wildlife sanctuary, no final declaration has been made, allowing ongoing destruction of this vital habitat. The forest is home to diverse wildlife, including several endemic species, and serves as a crucial migration corridor. Experts call for immediate action to resolve boundary disputes and enhance security measures to protect this biodiversity hotspot.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 17, 2026, 08:32 IST

Critical Situation in Behali Reserve Forest

Guwahati, July 17: The Behali reserve forest, located in the Biswanath district along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, is facing severe threats from encroachment and illegal logging, primarily from the Arunachal side, with minimal response from Assam authorities.

On July 15, armed individuals fired upon forest officials, following a previous incident on July 7, highlighting the boldness of these offenders and the lack of action from the Assam government.

Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah visited the site recently, claiming that such incursions would not be tolerated, yet the ongoing neglect of this vital wildlife area is evident.

Despite a preliminary gazette notification issued four years ago to upgrade Behali to a wildlife sanctuary, the final declaration has yet to be made.

Reports indicate that forest destruction has escalated significantly in recent months on the northern side of Behali.

“Near the Radhasoo border outpost, a vast area of forest has been cleared by miscreants from Arunachal Pradesh. This region boasts remarkable avian diversity, with over 35 wreathed hornbills recorded during the Behali Bird Census 2025, alongside three other hornbill species. It also supports various forest birds such as the spot-bellied eagle owl and the ruddy kingfisher,” sources revealed.

Additionally, this area plays a crucial role in wildlife migration from the Arunachal hills to the plains of Assam.

A forest official, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed that despite their efforts, the department is severely limited by a lack of armed personnel and logistical support to fend off the intruders from Arunachal.

“We require a comprehensive upgrade of our security measures to combat these offenders and protect the forest. Furthermore, the boundary dispute in one section needs resolution. Unfortunately, no progress has been made,” he stated.

The sanctuary area primarily includes the 140-sq-km Behali RF and Chenglijan RF. However, a significant portion of the forest is currently under encroachment from Arunachal Pradesh, with organized encroachment activities intensifying recently.

While the unresolved boundary dispute hampers the proposed wildlife sanctuary status for Behali, forest sources noted that only a small northern section is genuinely disputed, while the majority of the encroached area is under Assam's jurisdiction.

“Pending a final resolution of the boundary issue, the Assam government could declare the remaining forest area, excluding the small disputed section. Delaying action will only promote further encroachment,” the sources added.

The NGO Nature’s Bonyapran, which has cataloged the flora and fauna of Behali RF, insists that any resolution to the dispute should reference the Survey of India map.

“A collaborative approach with Arunachal Pradesh is essential. The Assam government could consider designating a 1.5-km stretch from the Arunachal border east of the Tarachu river to Bihmari/Buroi, while incorporating an equivalent area north of Dikal-Radhachu into the sanctuary. This would maintain the sanctuary's overall area,” suggested Sankar Dutta, the NGO’s secretary general.

Behali is situated in a global biodiversity hotspot and serves as a vital habitat for elephants. Its diverse fauna and flora, along with its strategic location connecting Kaziranga National Park and Pakke and Nameri Tiger Reserves, underscore its significance for long-term wildlife conservation.

“It has historically been a crucial corridor for wildlife movement, particularly for elephants,” noted Ranjit Kakati, a zoology research scholar and member of Nature’s Bonyapran.

Behali RF, characterized by subtropical semi-evergreen wet forests, is home to 308 native plant species—many of which are endemic—alongside 49 mammal species, over 280 bird species, 23 snake species, 12 turtle species, 11 lizard species, 12 amphibian species, and 275 butterfly species.

Notably, Behali hosts several endemic species that are rarely found in a single forest area.

The gazette notification issued on May 4, 2022, recognized 157.25 sq km within the Borgang Forest Range in Sonitpur East Forest Division, Biswanath district, as Behali Wildlife Sanctuary.