In recent years, forest encroachment in Assam, particularly in the Kamrup (Metro) district, has become an increasingly pressing issue with substantial environmental and social consequences. The illegal takeover of forest lands has led to a reduction in green cover, disrupting natural habitats, fueling man-animal conflicts, and contributing to rising temperatures in the region. Despite periodic government eviction drives, the problem persists, highlighting both regulatory gaps and the need for more robust conservation efforts.

The Forest Landscape of Assam

Assam is home to diverse forests, covering 34.21% of its geographical area. These forests, spread across plains and hills, play a crucial role in regulating climate, preserving biodiversity, and sustaining wildlife. However, data reveals that a significant portion of these forests has been encroached upon for human settlement and other purposes. Encroachments are most prevalent in densely populated areas, such as Kamrup (Metro), which includes the state capital, Guwahati.

Kamrup (Metro) district alone hosts 16 reserved forests, encompassing more than 35,329 hectares. Unfortunately, large sections of these forests, including ecologically important hills like Fatashil, South Kalapahar, Jalukbari, Gotanagar, Hengrabari, Sarania, and Garbhanga, have been subjected to encroachment. Despite sporadic government efforts to reclaim these lands, the encroachment continues unchecked, especially within urban settings.

Impact on Wildlife and Climate

The rampant encroachment of forests is directly linked to the rise in man-animal conflict across Assam. As forests shrink, wild animals are forced to venture closer to human settlements in search of food and shelter, leading to increased encounters and conflicts. This trend is troubling not only for human safety but also for biodiversity conservation, as rare and endangered species face shrinking habitats and heightened threats.

The loss of forest cover also impacts climate regulation. Forests play a critical role in absorbing carbon dioxide and maintaining regional temperatures. With ongoing deforestation, Assam has experienced unusual temperature spikes, including the hottest September recorded this year. Rising temperatures and habitat loss together contribute to an unstable climate, which could have long-term implications for the environment and agriculture in Assam.

The Garbhanga Sanctuary Controversy

In 2022, the Assam government declared 117 square kilometers of Kamrup (Metro) district as the Garbhanga Wildlife Sanctuary, a decision celebrated by environmentalists and local communities. Garbhanga, located in the eastern part of Kamrup district, is known for its scenic beauty, rich biodiversity, and a unique mix of deciduous and semi-evergreen forests. It is bordered by the Rani-Garbhanga Reserved Forests and is home to various flora and fauna, making it a valuable ecological zone.

However, in a surprising turn of events, the government rolled back this sanctuary status in August 2023, reverting Garbhanga to a reserved forest. This decision sparked widespread criticism, with concerns that downgrading Garbhanga’s protection status could open the area to further encroachment and illegal activities, ultimately threatening its biodiversity.

Legal Action: A Step Toward Reinstating Garbhanga’s Sanctuary Status

The decision to revoke Garbhanga’s sanctuary status prompted Guwahati-based environmental activist SubratTalukdar to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) with the Gauhati High Court, challenging the Assam government’s move. In response, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice N. Unni Krishnan Nair issued notices to both the Government of India and the Assam government. The court has granted three weeks for these parties to respond to the PIL, after which a subsequent hearing will take place.

The legal case highlights a critical debate: balancing development with environmental conservation. Environmentalists argue that Garbhanga, with its rich flora and fauna, deserves sanctuary status to safeguard it against human encroachment and protect the ecological balance. Without this elevated status, Garbhanga is at greater risk of being exploited, which could lead to severe ecological consequences in the future.

Inadequate Eviction Drives and Policy Challenges

While the Assam government conducts eviction drives sporadically, these initiatives have had limited success in curbing encroachment in urban forest areas. For reasons often unclear, eviction efforts tend to focus on rural or less visible forest areas, leaving urban encroachments largely unaddressed. In Kamrup district alone, more than 130 hectares of forest land are officially recorded as encroached upon, though the actual extent may be much greater.

Moreover, the government’s inconsistent policies, such as the Garbhanga reversal, reflect a broader struggle to prioritize environmental protection amid development pressures. Despite laws to protect reserved forests, enforcement remains weak, and political and economic interests frequently influence decision-making. Effective solutions will require both a stronger legal framework and increased political will to enforce protections.

Why would the Govt. of Assam decide to roll back the status ?

In the case of Garbhanga and similar areas, land-use decisions must be made with an awareness of their long-term environmental impacts. Without proper environmental assessments and safeguards, such acquisitions could lead to the destruction of crucial habitats, the depletion of natural resources, and the disruption of ecosystems. The rollback of the sanctuary status in favor of reserved forest status, while possibly aimed at accommodating development, could leave critical wildlife corridors vulnerable to encroachment and exploitation.

Public Activism and Environmental Awareness

The fight for Garbhanga’s sanctuary status has united citizens, students, and environmental organizations in Guwahati and beyond. Amidst this backdrop, the recent public campaign to protect the trees around Dighalipukhuri—an ancient lake and popular site in Guwahati—demonstrates a growing public interest in conservation. Local activism shows that citizens are increasingly aware of the importance of green spaces and are willing to mobilize for the protection of Assam’s natural heritage.

The Way Forward: Sustainable Solutions for Forest Conservation

Addressing forest encroachment in Kamrup (Metro) and Assam as a whole will require a multi-faceted approach:

1. Strengthened Legal Protections: Reinstating Garbhanga’s sanctuary status could serve as a precedent for safeguarding other vulnerable forest areas. Implementing strict legal protections for forests and strengthening penalties for encroachment are crucial steps.
2. Regular and Targeted Eviction Drives: The government needs to conduct frequent, unbiased eviction drives, particularly in urban areas where encroachment is rampant. Transparency in enforcement actions will also help maintain public trust.
3. Community Engagement and Education: Raising awareness among local communities about the ecological and economic value of forests can foster a conservation mindset. Community participation can make a significant difference in protecting forests and curbing encroachment.
4. Sustainable Development Policies: Assam’s policies must prioritize sustainable development, balancing economic growth with environmental preservation. The government could adopt models that integrate green spaces into urban planning and minimize deforestation.
5. Climate Action Plans: Given the climate impacts of deforestation, the government should consider climate action plans that emphasize reforestation and afforestation as part of its broader climate goals.

Forest encroachment in Kamrup (Metro) represents a growing threat to Assam’s natural ecosystems, wildlife, and climate stability. While initiatives to reclaim encroached forest land exist, sporadic eviction drives and policy inconsistencies undermine long-term conservation goals. The Garbhanga sanctuary case exemplifies the tension between development and environmental stewardship, with legal, social, and political dimensions that could shape the future of Assam’s forests.

Public awareness and legal advocacy are vital forces in this struggle, signaling a demand for sustainable environmental policies that prioritize Assam’s unique biodiversity. Addressing forest encroachment will require a concerted effort by the government, judiciary, and civil society to protect Assam’s forests for future generations.