GUWAHATI: The forest cover of Assam will be increased by 2000 sq km. This was announced by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at the concluding ceremony of the 66th Wildlife Week.
Currently, 34.21 percent of the state's geographical area is covered by forest, which accounts for 26,832 sq km.
According to their legal status, reserved forests constitute 66.58 percent and un-classed forests 33.42 percent of the total forest area.
Chief Minister Sonowal also stated that the Assam government has taken steps to link Dehing Patkai and Joypore Reserve Forests and to transform it into a National Park.
A forest division will be set up at the Borail range, and the Jonai rain forest will be declared as a wildlife sanctuary soon.
"The state government will also set up an Institute of Wild Life Health and Research at Dinjan in Dibrugarh district. Moreover, like in Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, all the wildlife sanctuaries and reserve forests camps will be provided with solar lights and smartphones," said CM Sarbananda Sonowal.
The Chief Minister also mentioned the steps undertaken by the government to prevent poaching.
“During the present State government’s rule, 240 poachers were handed exemplary punishments by setting up 10 fast-track courts. The flow of tourists into the State has increased phenomenally as a result of neutralizing the poachers and the resultant increase of the wildlife population in Assam,” he added.
Assam Environment and Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya, speaking on the occasion informed that eight crore saplings had already been planted to add to the green coverage of Assam.