Gaurav Gogoi Urges Action on Alarming Forest Cover Decline in Assam

Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi has expressed concern over the latest India State of Forest Report, which shows Assam lost 79 sq. km of forest cover between 2021 and 2023. In a letter to Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Gogoi highlighted threats such as deforestation, invasive species, and human-elephant conflicts.

He emphasized Assam’s forests’ role in carbon sequestration and livelihoods, warning that further loss could worsen climate change impacts and social unrest. Gogoi proposed measures including stricter forest protection, community management, sustainable land use, and afforestation initiatives, urging immediate government action.