Encroachers try to stop afforestation project in Pabha reserve forest

LAKHIMPUR: A group of people with vested interest has boldly stood against the afforestation programme being conducted at Pabhamukh area under Pabha Reserve Forest of Lakhimpur district.

On Thursday, more than hundred people, equipped with sharp and heavy weapons, created massive havoc at the afforestation block in order to stop the project. Notably, Karmajyoti Yuva Nirman Sangstha, a non-governmental organization of Dhemaji district, has continued afforestation project in the Pabhamukh area covering block of 50 hectares land under the said reserve forest. This project has been implemented under Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) under the Department of Environment and Forest of the State Government in order to promote afforestation and regeneration activities as a way of compensating for forest land diverted to non-forest uses.

On Thursday, the gang destroyed at least 1-km long boundary wall of the project being constructed. They also destroyed the main gate of the project in addition to vandalizing other properties of the NGO. Further, they allegedly issued life threat to the workers and warned them to leave the place immediately.

In connection with the incident, Hemchandra Dutta, the president of the NGO, lodged complaint to the Deputy Commissioner of Lakhimpur against a section of people living in Dhunaguri village who have continued encroachment upon the area causing deforestation in the Pabha Reserve Forest. Reacting over the issue, Social Forestry Officer Binod Chandra Deuri urged the district administration to take action against the culprits.

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