India, July 21 -- Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah on Monday visited the Tharkonalbari and Rakhyasini Pahar Proposed Reserve Forests (PRFs) in Goalpara district to assess reports of encroachment on forest land and review measures for strengthening forest protection. The inspections followed recent eviction drives and the process of converting Proposed Reserve Forest land into Reserve Forest.

During the inspection, the Minister, accompanied by senior Forest Department officials and local MLAs, conducted an on-site assessment of the affected areas and interacted with local residents to understand the prevailing situation.

The team reviewed the extent of encroachment and discussed measures for safeguarding the forest and ensuring ...