Assam: Alleged encroachment on Kaziranga sandbars raises concerns over wildlife corridors, locals seek action

Concerns have been raised over alleged encroachment on a vast stretch of sandbar land located between the Bihdubi area of Silghat and the Burha Luit, adjoining the sixth addition of Kaziranga National Park in Assam.

According to local residents, hundreds of bighas of sandbar land are allegedly being occupied by unidentified persons, with the assistance of some local middlemen. The occupants are reportedly clearing portions of the area and preparing the land for cultivation.

The sandbars in the area are also used by wildlife as a habitat and movement corridor. The reported agricultural activity has raised concerns among residents and wildlife conservationists, particularly over the installation of electric fencing around some cultivated plots.

Locals apprehend that such fencing could pose a risk to wild animals moving through the area. They have also expressed concern that continued occupation and cultivation could lead to the permanent settlement of people in the area, making future removal of the alleged encroachments more difficult.

Residents and sections of civil society have urged the Kaziranga National Park authorities to conduct an immediate assessment of the area and take necessary measures to prevent further encroachment.

They have also called for steps to ensure that the sandbar landscape, which forms part of the wider wildlife habitat and movement corridor around Kaziranga, remains protected from unauthorised occupation and activities that could affect wildlife movement.