Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has lauded the exemplary work of the 134 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) Ecological Task Force (134 ETF) for its outstanding contribution to afforestation, ecological restoration and wildlife conservation in Behali Wildlife Sanctuary in Biswanath district.
During his visit to the sanctuary on Friday, the Chief Minister reviewed the ongoing restoration work at Nalapara, an ecologically sensitive landscape located close to the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border. The area had witnessed large-scale encroachment and destruction of approximately 600 hectares of reserved forest land in the Radhasoo area, severely affecting the fragile forest ecosystem.
Recognising the proven capability and commendable contribution of the 134 ETF, the Chief Minister had entrusted the unit with the responsibility of immediate restoration of 50 hectares of denuded and deforested land at Nalapara within the sanctuary.
The 134 ETF undertook advance work in the area allotted by the State Forest Department, including site preparation and land development, followed by plantation activity. As part of the initiative, 1,25,000 saplings of native species were planted across 50 hectares of degraded land. The unit has also established a camp at Nalapara to sustain ongoing restoration efforts and undertake future conservation work in the area.
The Chief Minister was briefed by Commanding Officer Colonel Adarsh Nayak on the progress of the restoration programme. He also undertook a site inspection and reviewed the work along with the Minister of Environment and Forest, Jayanta Mallabaruah, Dr Ranuj Pegu Minister of Education, Biswajit Daimary Minister of Handloom and Textiles, Ranjit Dutta, MP Sonitpur and other dignitaries.
Expressing deep appreciation, CM Sarma conveyed his heartiest congratulations to the 134 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) Ecological Task Force for its unwavering commitment to ecological restoration, large-scale afforestation, wildlife conservation and environmental protection. He said the unit’s efforts were not only helping restore the Behali landscape but also strengthening the conservation of the fragile and ecologically vital foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, a globally recognised biodiversity hotspot.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to protecting Assam’s forest wealth, reclaiming encroached land and restoring degraded ecosystems for present and future generations.
Himanta Biswa Sarma Lauds Territorial Army for Restoring Degraded Forest Land in Behali Wildlife Sanctuary
