March 21 is observed as International Day of Forests. The day is of particular significance for Assam given its dwindling green cover owing to various reasons ranging from encroachment to development. As we observe the International Day of Forests, it is essential to take stock of the state’s forest health, the efforts being made to conserve them, the challenges that persist, and the way forward. Assam’s forests are not just repositories of biodiversity but are crucial for climate regulation, water conservation, and sustaining livelihoods. They house some of the world’s most iconic species, including the one-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephants, and hoolock gibbons, making conservation an issue of both national and global importance. Over the years, the state has implemented various conservation initiatives, including the designation of protected areas such as Kaziranga, Manas, and Dibru-Saikhowa National Parks besides several others. However, despite these initiatives, Assam continues to face significant conservation challenges.
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Deforestation due to illegal encroachment, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development remains a major concern. Over the past decade, the state has lost around 324,000 hectares of tree cover, a worrying trend that threatens both biodiversity and local communities dependent on forests for sustenance. In the past two years alone, Assam has witnessed a forest cover loss of 83.92 sq km, highlighting the urgency of intervention.
One of the key issues hindering conservation is weak enforcement of environmental regulations. Despite policies meant to safeguard forests, illegal logging and encroachments persist, often due to lack of political will and insufficient resources. Forest personnel frequently operate with inadequate equipment and training, making it difficult to tackle deforestation effectively. The economic dependence of local populations on forest resources further complicates conservation efforts, as alternative livelihoods remain limited. Additionally, large-scale infrastructure projects such as highways and railways fragment crucial wildlife corridors, increasing human-wildlife conflict and disrupting ecosystems. Looking ahead, Assam must adopt a multi-pronged strategy to conserve and restore its forests. Strengthening policy enforcement is crucial, with stricter penalties for illegal deforestation and encroachment. Investment in better training and equipment for forest rangers will improve ground-level conservation efforts. Community participation must be at the heart of conservation strategies, with sustainable livelihood programmes offering viable alternatives to forest dependence.
The use of technology, including satellite monitoring and drones, can help track deforestation in real-time and inform better policy decisions. Large-scale afforestation programmes, focusing on native tree species, should be prioritised to restore degraded areas. Collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and international organisations will also be essential in ensuring sustained and effective conservation efforts. While Assam has made strides in forest conservation, the challenges it faces demand greater urgency and commitment. Without a stronger and more integrated approach, the state risks further losing its invaluable green cover, endangering both its biodiversity and the well-being of its people. The road ahead must be paved with stronger policies, enhanced community participation, and the integration of modern conservation techniques to ensure that Assam’s forests remain a thriving natural legacy for generations to come.
