Plantation drive in Rengma Reserve Forest to restore reclaimed land

A Correspondent

Golaghat: A large-scale tree plantation drive was launched on Saturday at Sonaribeel, Uriamghat, marking a major step in restoring reclaimed areas of the Rengma Reserve Forest to their natural green cover.

The initiative followed the successful eviction drive, conducted since July 30, 2025, which cleared around 4,000 unauthorized structures spread over approximately 10,000 bighas across the reserve forest. Beginning in Sonaribeel, the plantation programme will expand to other reclaimed sites, aiming to rejuvenate the forest ecosystem and ensure long-term protection of the land.

The event was attended by Special Chief Secretary, M.K. Yadava, Golaghat District Commissioner, Senior Superintendent of Police of Golaghat, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Assam, DIG, CRPF, and senior officials from the Assam Forest Department, Golaghat district administration, Assam Police, CRPF, along with local community members.

At the outset of the programme, a “Bathou Aaros” was performed by members of the Bodo community, followed by the traditional Bagurumba Dance. The cultural segment was succeeded by the plantation of approximately 15,000 Uriam saplings to enhance biodiversity and restore ecological balance.

Addressing the gathering, Special Chief Secretary M.K. Yadava said that, under the leadership of the Chief Minister and with the cooperation of the Government of Nagaland, 1,400 hectares of land had been cleared in the Rengma Reserve Forest. He added that the plantation drive is a key milestone in ongoing restoration efforts, which will continue till September 23.

Golaghat District Commissioner Pulak Mahanta described the event as a new beginning for Uriamghat and expressed optimism about the area’s potential as an eco-tourism destination within the next five years.

The event was executed with comprehensive arrangements and active participation from government agencies and the local community. Members of the local ethnic communities welcomed the initiative and thanked the Chief Minister for his leadership in reclaiming and restoring the forest land. They pledged their continued cooperation to protect the reclaimed land and support all future initiatives aimed at safeguarding the Rengma Reserve Forest.

Also Read: Assam Launches Massive Eviction Drive to Reclaim 3,600 Acres in Rengma Reserve Forest

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