Activist Urges Assam to Declare Reserved Forests as Sanctuaries to Curb Illegal Mining

Environmental activist Apurba Ballav Goswami has urged the Assam government to notify several reserved forests adjoining Dehing Patkai National Park as wildlife sanctuaries to curb illegal coal mining and protect ecologically sensitive areas. The proposal targets forests including Tirap, Tipong, Saleki, Makumpani, and Tinkopani, emphasizing enhanced legal protection to safeguard wildlife habitats, elephant corridors, and river systems. Supporters highlight that sanctuary status could improve enforcement and resolve jurisdictional ambiguities along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border.