Guwahati, July 15: The Assam government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has successfully reclaimed over 1.19 lakh bighas (approximately 160 sq km) of land from alleged illegal settlers across the state since 2021. This effort is part of the state’s ongoing drive against encroachment, aiming to protect its territorial and cultural integrity.
Breakdown of Reclaimed Land:
- Reserved Forests and Wildlife Sanctuaries: Over 84,700 bighas
- Village Grazing Reserves (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserves (PGR): Nearly 3,650 bighas
- Common Government Land: More than 26,700 bighas
- Religious Institutions: Around 4,450 bighas, including satras, namghars, and temples
Positive Ecological Impact:
The land reclamation efforts have led to forest regeneration and the return of wildlife to key habitats. Notably:
- Elephants have returned to Goalpara's Paikan Reserve Forest and Lumding Reserve Forest
- Rhinos are returning to Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary
- Wildlife populations are reviving in Orang Tiger Reserve and Pabha Reserve Forest
The Forest Department will soon issue a detailed update on the current status and future plans for the reclaimed areas, prioritizing protection and wildlife conservation. Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that Assam's forests are witnessing a positive transformation after years of neglect.
