Assam: Why Behali Reserve Forest must be declared wildlife sanctuary

Guwahati: Amid civil society’s calls for Behali Reserve Forest (BRF) in Assam to be declared a wildlife sanctuary, a remote sensing study reveals a concerning 22.88 sq km decrease in forest cover, emphasizing the pressing need for immediate action.

A remote sensing study done to assess the forest cover in Behali Reserve Forest between 1990 and 2022 found a net loss of forest cover of 22.88%.

The study by Bikash Ranjan Parida, Bishal Kanu, and Chandra Shekhar Dwivedi from 1990 to 2022 revealed that in 1990, 93.24 sq km area was under forest (64.03%). However, in 2022, the forest area reduced to 71.9 sqkm (49.4%). It indicates a massive decrease in forests in the BRF during 1990–2022. About 21.34 sq km (22.88%) of forest area shifted to non-forest over three decades due to deforestation and illegal encroachment. However, some patches increased due to various plantation and afforestation activities.