Construction Stalls on New Digboi Forest Office After Two Years

Guwahati: Construction on the new Digboi Divisional Forest Office complex in Assam remains unfinished more than two years after the project began. While officials report that roughly 86 percent of the work is complete, the building still lacks interior finishes and final infrastructure. The project was intended to replace the current headquarters, a structure dating back to 1960 that now suffers from weathered walls, damaged roofing, and failing amenities.

Staff continue to operate out of the deteriorating old facility, which becomes particularly difficult to manage during the monsoon season due to leaks and safety concerns. Departmental sources indicate that bureaucratic hurdles caused the project to drag on. According to departmental sources, "procedural and financial issues contributed to the delay in completing the building."

The Digboi Forest Division oversees over 64,000 hectares of forest, including the ecologically vital Dehing Patkai National Park and Elephant Reserve. Despite its significant conservation responsibilities, the division continues to face severe infrastructure constraints. With the latest monsoon season underway, there are growing calls for the government to finalize the remaining interior work so the new office can finally be commissioned.