Assam reports massive forest land encroachment

Guwahati: Illegal occupiers currently hold 314,139 hectares of forest land across Assam. Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah confirmed the figures in the state legislative assembly on Tuesday. The land loss spans eight national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and 281 reserve forests. The situation is dire.

Data provided to the House shows reserve forests bear the heaviest burden with 296,717 hectares occupied. Meanwhile, 17,421 hectares are tied up inside national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The state government claims it is fighting back.

Officials reclaimed 16,937 hectares of land between 2021 and 2026. Mallabaruah noted that during the 2025-26 period alone, the state cleared 4,688 hectares of reserve forest territory. Teams are now planting trees in these reclaimed spots to restore the natural balance.

The Forest Department also kicked off the Janmadin Seuj Shapat Udyan initiative to boost greenery. The minister explained that the program "encourages citizens to plant a sapling on their birthdays with the objective of promoting environmental conservation and increasing public participation in afforestation efforts."