Encroachment of forest land poses threat to State ecology

  • 19/09/2008

  • Sentinel (Guwahati)

BISWANATH CHARIALI, Sept 19: After the Cenral Government passed a Law in 1980 for conservation of the Forest resources, different state governments started to strictly implement the law resulting in increase in the forest cover and thus helping in conservation of the flora and fauna. However in Assam due to the lackdical attitude of the State forest department, the total forest cover area has started to diminish at a rapid speed. Known for its rich forest resources till a few years ago, Assam attracted eco-tourist from both within the country and outside, resulting in the increase of government revenue. However eco tourism now stands limited to only to certain selected destinations like Kaziranga, Pabitora, Nameri etc. Due to random destruction of the forest resources either due to the failure of the Forest department or for those vested circles having political patronage, Asom in the National scenario of forest resources slipped down the ladder which once stood at the top position. Further in the North Assam bank areas bordering Arunachal Pradesh around 28 Nos of reserve forest is facing a threat of extinction for the unabated encroachment from Arunachal Pradesh who have constructed government offices churches, schools and stretches of human habitation by clearing the jungles, making it suitable for cultivation and also constructing pucca roads over this lands taking advantage of the State Governments failure to check such illegal activities. Though at times border meeting at Deputy Commissioners