The Assam Government has announced immediate restoration and stronger protection measures for the Behali Reserve Forest after nearly 400 hectares of forest were found damaged along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border. Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah inspected the affected areas on July 16 under the direction of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The government confirmed the damage through satellite imagery and drone surveys conducted over the past six months.
Authorities will now begin ecological restoration, strengthen forest security, improve infrastructure, and take legal action against those responsible for illegal encroachment and forest destruction. The initiative aims to protect one of Assam’s important forest reserves and prevent further environmental damage.
Read More: Mizoram Congress Calls July 21 ‘Black Day’ Over FCRA Bill
Key Facts
- State: Assam
- Forest: Behali Reserve Forest
- Inspection Date: July 16, 2026
- Forest Minister: Jayanta Mallabaruah
- Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma
- Forest Damage: Nearly 400 hectares
- Verification: Satellite imagery and drone surveys
- Major Actions: Restoration, plantation, security enhancement, legal action
Assam Government Orders Immediate Restoration of Behali Reserve Forest
The Assam Government has launched an immediate restoration programme for the Behali Reserve Forest after an inspection revealed extensive forest destruction along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary. Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah announced the measures following his visit to the affected areas on July 16.
The inspection took place under the directions of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Senior officials from the Forest Department, Assam Police, and the civil administration accompanied the minister to assess the extent of the damage and review the existing security arrangements.
Satellite Images Confirm Large-Scale Forest Loss
According to the government, recent reports suggested that miscreants operating across the inter-state border had caused significant damage to the reserve forest. Therefore, authorities conducted satellite image analysis and drone surveys covering the past six months.
The findings confirmed that nearly 400 hectares of the Behali Reserve Forest had been illegally encroached upon and extensively damaged. Consequently, the government decided to implement immediate restoration and protection measures.
During the inspection, the minister examined the affected sites, reviewed drone footage, and discussed the operational challenges faced by frontline forest personnel responsible for safeguarding the reserve.
Ecological Restoration to Begin Immediately
Following the inspection, Mallabaruah directed officials to begin ecological restoration without delay. The Ecological Task Force will work with the Forest Department to carry out plantation drives and restore degraded forest areas.
In addition, officials will prepare long-term ecological rehabilitation plans to regenerate damaged vegetation and improve biodiversity within the reserve.
The government believes that early restoration efforts will help revive the ecosystem while reducing the long-term environmental impact of illegal forest destruction.
Government to Strengthen Forest Protection Infrastructure
Besides restoration work, the minister announced several infrastructure improvements to strengthen forest protection.
Existing forest camps will undergo upgrades, while approach roads to vulnerable locations will be improved. Furthermore, the government will construct an additional access road to allow faster deployment of forest officials and security personnel.
According to the minister, poor road connectivity delayed enforcement efforts in some locations, allowing illegal activities to continue for extended periods. Therefore, better infrastructure will improve response times during future operations.
Security Measures to Prevent Further Encroachment
The Assam Government has also ordered stronger surveillance across vulnerable sections of the reserve forest.
Mallabaruah instructed the Assam Police and the Forest Battalion to maintain continuous monitoring of sensitive areas. Moreover, authorities will establish additional security camps wherever repeated incidents of forest destruction have occurred.
These measures aim to prevent fresh encroachments while improving coordination between law enforcement agencies and forest officials.
Legal Action Against Illegal Encroachment
The minister reiterated that the government would not tolerate further destruction of Assam’s forests. Accordingly, he directed officials to initiate legal proceedings wherever unlawful encroachment, trespassing, or destruction of forest land occurs within Assam’s jurisdiction.
He also assured frontline forest personnel of full government support while performing their duties. Furthermore, he encouraged officials to continue enforcing forest laws despite operational challenges.
Addressing concerns raised by field staff, Mallabaruah acknowledged that recent public statements had affected the morale of forest officials and Forest Battalion personnel. However, he urged them to carry out their responsibilities with confidence and professionalism.
Border Dispute Cannot Justify Environmental Damage
Referring to the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary issue, the minister stated that political and administrative mechanisms already exist to resolve border disputes.
However, he stressed that environmental destruction cannot be justified under any circumstances. He also noted that the Gauhati High Court has clearly observed that damage to forest land cannot be defended on the basis of unresolved boundary disputes.
Therefore, the government will continue protecting reserve forests while pursuing legal and administrative solutions to border-related issues separately.
Restoration Work to Continue
Plantation activities and ecological rehabilitation are expected to begin immediately in the affected areas. Meanwhile, infrastructure upgrades, improved surveillance, and additional deployment of security personnel will continue alongside restoration work.
The Assam Government believes these combined measures will strengthen the protection of Behali Reserve Forest, restore damaged ecosystems, and prevent future encroachments.
Question and Answer
What happened?
The Assam Government announced restoration and enhanced protection measures after nearly 400 hectares of the Behali Reserve Forest were found damaged.
How was the damage confirmed?
Authorities verified the damage using satellite imagery and drone surveys conducted over the past six months.
What restoration measures have been announced?
The government will begin plantation drives, ecological rehabilitation, infrastructure upgrades, and stronger forest protection measures.
What security steps will be taken?
Additional forest camps, continuous surveillance, improved roads, and greater deployment of Assam Police and the Forest Battalion will strengthen security.
Will legal action be taken?
Yes. The government has directed officials to initiate legal action against illegal encroachment, trespassing, and destruction of forest land within Assam.
Location Context
The Behali Reserve Forest, located along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary, forms part of the ecologically significant forests of Northeast India. Protecting this reserve is essential for conserving biodiversity, maintaining wildlife habitats, preserving forest resources, and supporting environmental sustainability across the region.