Assam Forest Minister Jayant Mallabarua took stock of encroachment on forest land in Goalpara. He said that the rights of the indigenous people will be protected, but outsiders will not be allowed to encroach. Forest conservation was also said to be necessary to reduce human-elephant conflict.
Assam Forest Minister Jayant Mallabarua on Monday visited Tharkonalbari and Rakhyasini Pahar Proposed Reserve Forests (PRF) in Goalpara district to assess reports of encroachment on forest land and review measures to strengthen forest protection. The inspection follows the recent eviction drives and the process of converting the proposed reserve forest land into reserve forest.
During the inspection, the Assam Minister along with senior forest department officials and local MLAs made an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas and interacted with local residents to understand the prevailing situation. The team reviewed the extent of encroachment and discussed measures to ensure the protection of the forest and its long-term conservation.
The rights of indigenous people will be protected
Assam Forest Minister said the visit was made following reports that a large part of the forest land has been encroached upon. He said field observations have confirmed the need for appropriate measures to protect and conserve the forest area.
“The legitimate rights of our indigenous people will be fully protected, and there should be no concerns about their traditional rights. Also, encroachment on forest lands by outsiders will not be allowed, as protecting our forests is a priority,” Mallabarua said.
Emphasis on reducing human-elephant conflict
The Minister also highlighted the growing challenge of human-elephant conflict in Goalpara and said that conservation of forest habitats is essential to address this issue. He stressed that protecting existing forests, expanding forest cover and undertaking tree planting activities will significantly contribute to reducing human-elephant conflict in the region.
He said the observations made during the inspection and feedback received from local residents would be examined by the department. “Based on the findings, the government will take appropriate decisions and initiate necessary measures to conserve and protect the forest area,” the minister said. (ANI)
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