A new satellite-imagery study has highlighted serious forest degradation in Assam despite legal protection. Covering the period 1990–2020, researchers analysed Landsat-5 and Landsat-8 data using object-based image analysis sourced from the USGS Earth Explorer.
Key Findings on Forest Loss:
- Highest Degradation: Biswanath Reserved Forest experienced the most severe loss, with nearly 66% of its dense forest cover disappearing over 30 years.
- Encroachment: In Gohpur Reserved Forest, 60.28 sq km of forest land was converted into agricultural land, and 34.13 sq km of barren land was completely occupied by 2020.
- Protected Area Vulnerability: Even protected areas are shrinking; in the Behali Wildlife Sanctuary, 19.5 sq km of agricultural land and 1.05 sq km of settlements emerged between 1990 and 2020.
- Other Impacted Areas: Significant losses were also documented in Naduar Reserved Forest, while Singlijan Reserved Forest was the only site to see a marginal increase.