Encroachment in Assam’s Protected Forests and Wildlife Sanctuaries
Context
The Assam Government informed the State Assembly that eight wildlife sanctuaries and 281 reserve forests are currently affected by encroachment. The data highlights the extent of illegal occupation in protected areas and its implications for wildlife conservation, particularly the growing human-elephant conflict.
Facts
- Around 3,15,996 hectares of protected areas and reserve forests were under illegal encroachment (as per official data).
- The State has cleared encroachments from 25,588 hectares, including 16,937 hectares over the last five years.
- The information was presented before the 126-member Assam Legislative Assembly.
Significance
- Protecting forests requires balancing removal of illegal encroachments with the rehabilitation of displaced communities.
- Restoring wildlife habitats and ecological corridors is essential to reduce increasing human-elephant conflicts.
- Strengthening forest governance is crucial for long-term biodiversity conservation.
Concept
- Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, a Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area where limited human activities may be permitted under regulation, whereas a National Park provides a higher level of legal protection with stricter restrictions.
- The Indian Forest Act, 1927 classifies forests into:
- Reserved Forests – highest level of protection; activities are prohibited unless specifically permitted.
- Protected Forests – certain activities are allowed unless expressly restricted.
- Village Forests – forests managed for the benefit of local communities.
- Encroachment fragments wildlife corridors, particularly elephant corridors, leading to habitat loss and increased human-wildlife conflict.