Assam’s Forest Encroachment Crisis: 3.35 Lakh Hectares Under Illegal Occupation

Assam’s reserved forests face massive encroachment, with 3,35,322.60 hectares illegally occupied. Neighbouring states encroached 83,811.3974 hectares, state residents 2,50,350.0666 hectares, and tea gardens 1,161.136 hectares, stated Environment Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary in the Assembly. From 2021 to 2024, 10,905.859 hectares were cleared of encroachments. Assam leads India in forest land encroachment (2,13,253.91 hectares), as per ISFR 2023. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has filed a suo-moto case against the state for failing to curb deforestation, worsening climate change effects.