Assam: Forest destruction alleged in Fakiragram amid Rs 18 lakh development project

Alarming allegations have surfaced from Fakiragram in Kokrajhar district, Assam where forest land is reportedly being destroyed under the pretext of a development initiative. The disputed area lies adjacent to the Hel River and is under the official jurisdiction of the Forest Department, although the project is being implemented by the Fakiragram Municipal Board.

According to reliable sources, the municipal board sanctioned over Rs 18 lakh for land development in the area. However, this initiative has allegedly led to widespread deforestation, with dense green cover being cleared raising serious concerns about the environmental impact of such actions.

The development activity, claimed to be part of urban planning and infrastructure expansion, has sparked criticism from local residents and environmental observers. Former Fakiragram Municipal Chairman, Surendra Sharma, along with Forest Department officials, has publicly expressed concern over what they describe as an encroachment on protected forest land.

Local voices and officials alike are questioning the transparency and legality of the move, highlighting the absence of proper environmental clearance or coordination with the Forest Department.

As tensions mount, environmental activists are urging immediate intervention to prevent further ecological damage. Calls for an official inquiry into the project’s authorization, environmental assessment, and the extent of deforestation are growing louder.