Guwahati, July 17: Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah on Thursday conducted an on-ground inspection of the Behali Reserve Forest in Biswanath district following reports of large-scale forest destruction along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border.

Acting on the directions of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the minister reviewed the situation with senior officials from the Forest Department, Assam Police, and the Civil Administration.

According to satellite imagery and drone assessments, nearly 400 hectares of forest land have been encroached upon and damaged over the past six months by cross-border miscreants operating along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border.

During the visit, Malla Baruah directed the Ecological Task Force to immediately begin restoration work and undertake large-scale plantation in the affected areas. He also instructed officials to strengthen forest protection infrastructure by improving approach roads, setting up new forest camps, and enhancing surveillance in vulnerable locations. Joint monitoring by the Assam Police and the Forest Battalion has also been ordered to prevent further encroachment and illegal activities.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting the state’s forests, the minister said, “Not a single tree will be allowed to fall. The Government of Assam is fully committed to protecting every inch of its forest land.” He also assured frontline forest personnel of the government’s full support, encouraging them to take strict action against unlawful activities without hesitation.

Malla Baruah noted that poor road connectivity had previously delayed timely intervention in the reserve forest. He added that boundary-related issues between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh are being addressed through an inter-state coordination mechanism to ensure better protection of the forest in the future.