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Poba Reserve Forest under threat

By Correspondent

JONAI, Oct 25 � The growing strain on the forest wealth, hunting and constant erosion by rivers have been posing a threat to the Poba Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Jonai town. But the authorities concerned have not taken any steps to save the reserve forest, causing a great deal of resentment among nature lovers here.

The territorial forest in the subdivision has been dealt a severe blow with the growing requirement of timber for construction-related activities, leading to the exploitation of the forest resources on the one hand and the disturbance of the ecological balance on the other.

The Poba Reserve Forest under the Dhemaji Territorial Forest Division is also facing depletion due to the constant erosion caused by the Lali and Sille rivers. Though the reserve forest has come under tremendous pressure, the State�s Forest Minister is allegedly indifferent to its protection.

The Poba Reserve Forest is home to different kinds of flora and fauna. The water bodies on the upper reaches of the reserve forest are close to the Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh and the Dibru Saikhowa National Park across the mighty Brahmaputra river. Herds of wild elephants have been affected due to the demolition of the dense forest cover, leading to conflicts with human beings.

Meanwhile, various local organisations including environment NGOs have demanded the authorities to declare the Poba Reserve Forest as a wildlife sanctuary and take necessary protection measures. But Forest Department officials here are reportedly yet to submit the feasibly report in this regard.

These organisations have moved the Dhemaji Deputy Commissioner, Monalisha Goswami, seeking her initiative for the necessary survey and documentation of Poba. A 15-member coordination committee has also been constituted with the DC as the chief patron and the Dhemaji DFO (T) as the chief convener.

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