The revoked notification to declare Garbhanga as a wildlife sanctuary has drawn criticism from conservationists and environmentalists
The Garbhanga Reserve Forest, located on the outskirts of Guwahati in Assam, has long been a hub of illegal activities ranging from poaching and timber smuggling to other cross-border crimes. Despite being under the jurisdiction of the Kamrup East Forest Division, the forest's dense terrain, geographical challenges, and multiple entry-exit points have made monitoring and enforcement an arduous task.
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The forest, spread over an approximate area of 113 square kilometres, serves as a vital green buffer between Assam and Meghalaya, with access points near Pamohi, Lokhra, and Tetelia. It is part of the South Range and has gained notoriety for its open routes that facilitate unregulated activities.
In a recent development, the preliminary notification to upgrade Garbhanga Reserve Forest to a wildlife sanctuary was revoked, sparking widespread confusion and concern among conservationists and locals. Media reports indicate that the decision to withdraw the notification was made without adhering to the mandatory procedures under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The proposed wildlife sanctuary status would have introduced stricter protection mechanisms, including regulated human activity, to safeguard the region's biodiversity. However, with the revocation of the proposal, the forest remains vulnerable to exploitation, fuelling debates about the lack of clarity and urgency in forest management policies.
Garbhanga’s strategic location near the Assam-Meghalaya border has turned it into a hotspot for illegal activities. The thick forest canopy, coupled with easy access from multiple directions, provides cover for smugglers, poachers, and other offenders.
The reserve forest has witnessed several instances of poaching, with two high-profile cases reported in recent years. In May 2022, forest officials registered a case of wild elephant hunting. Despite efforts, the perpetrators remain at large. In August 2024, another incident near Pamohi involved the hunting of a Bengal monitor lizard, a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act. This case, too, remains unresolved.
According to locals, many wildlife crimes go unreported due to the remoteness of the forest and the lack of witnesses. "Poachers know the forest well and exploit its dense cover and unguarded borders," said a resident near Pamohi.
Timber smuggling is another rampant issue in Garbhanga. From February to October 2024, multiple cases of illegal felling and transportation of valuable tree species, including Makri Sal, Teak, and Sal Sawn Timber, were documented. Despite efforts by forest officials to crack down on these activities, the culprits have often evaded justice due to the lack of evidence and manpower for sustained patrolling.
In addition to poaching and timber smuggling, the forest has seen instances of illegal mining. A recent bust by forest officials uncovered unauthorised extraction activities, but the accused remain free, highlighting systemic gaps in enforcement and prosecution.
The District Forest Office, Kamrup East, has been struggling with limited resources and support. Speaking to GPlus, a senior official acknowledged the difficulties faced by forest authorities.
"We have been on high alert, but offenders always come up with new tactics. It is not only about smuggling or poaching; there are other activities that are very hard to trace. They exploit the forest for financial gains or use it as a route. We have set up provisions for immediate deployment of officials, but usually, the crime is committed by the time we arrive. We have asked the authority for more support. Hopefully, it turns out well," the official said.
The lack of continuous patrolling and the open nature of the forest have further compounded the problem. The porous borders allow offenders to escape into neighbouring Meghalaya, making apprehensions and investigations even more challenging.
Garbhanga's dense foliage and unmonitored stretches have made it an ideal route for transporting smuggled goods. While forest officials have managed to seize some illegal consignments, the scale of the operations and the involvement of organised groups suggest that a more coordinated effort is required.
Locals have expressed concerns over the unchecked exploitation of the forest. "This forest is not just about wildlife; it is a livelihood for many. But if these illegal activities continue, it will harm both the forest and the people who depend on it," said a community leader from Pamohi.
The revoked notification to declare Garbhanga as a wildlife sanctuary has drawn criticism from conservationists and environmentalists. Many argue that the upgrade would have significantly enhanced protection measures, reducing the forest's vulnerability to illegal activities.
Wildlife sanctuaries are governed by stricter rules under the Wildlife Protection Act, limiting human interference and providing better infrastructure for monitoring and conservation. The absence of such measures leaves Garbhanga exposed to exploitation.
"The need of the hour is a comprehensive plan to secure Garbhanga," said a conservation expert based in Guwahati. "This includes restoring its sanctuary status, enhancing patrolling, and involving local communities in conservation efforts."
While the challenges in protecting Garbhanga Reserve Forest are manifold, the urgency to act cannot be overstated. Authorities must prioritise:
1. Restoration of Sanctuary Status: Revisiting the proposal to upgrade Garbhanga to a wildlife sanctuary and ensuring adherence to due process.
2. Enhanced Patrolling and Monitoring: Deploying more personnel and using technology such as drones to monitor sensitive areas.
3. Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts and providing them with alternative livelihoods to reduce dependence on forest resources.
4. Cross-Border Cooperation: Collaborating with authorities in Meghalaya to curb smuggling and other crimes.
5. Expedited Legal Action: Strengthening the judicial process to ensure swift prosecution of offenders.
Garbhanga Reserve Forest remains a vital ecological asset for Assam and the surrounding region. However, without decisive action and stronger protection mechanisms, it risks becoming a casualty of unchecked exploitation. Authorities must act swiftly to secure the forest's future and uphold the rule of law in this critical green corridor.
The fight to save Garbhanga is not just about wildlife and trees; it is about preserving a legacy for future generations.
