Rampant smuggling in Assam’s West Kamrup forests has raised serious environmental and administrative concerns. Locals have accused forest officials of willfully ignoring large-scale deforestation and soil excavation that threaten the delicate ecosystem of the Bondapara range. The illegal activities are unfolding within a vital elephant corridor, placing both wildlife and nearby communities in danger.
Residents of the area have witnessed the destruction escalate over recent months. Large trucks now move soil and timber regularly under the cover of darkness, while some operations continue even during daylight hours. These smugglers have cut down significant portions of forestland, leaving behind barren patches that once served as natural passageways for elephants and other species.
Villagers in and around Bondapara and Bhalukabari have raised the alarm repeatedly, but their complaints have reportedly fallen on deaf ears. They claim that forest department personnel, who are tasked with safeguarding the region’s biodiversity, have either ignored or actively facilitated the smuggling activities. Locals suspect collusion between smugglers and lower-level officials, pointing to the unchecked movement of excavation machinery and trucks.
District authorities visited the area following mounting pressure from environmental groups and local media coverage. They observed the extent of ecological damage and admitted that the situation requires urgent intervention. However, no concrete disciplinary action has been taken against the officials allegedly involved. The administration has promised a full inquiry, but locals remain skeptical about any substantial outcome.
The West Kamrup Division forms part of a critical ecological zone that connects various protected areas in Assam. Elephants use this stretch for seasonal migration, and any disruption can lead to increased human-animal conflict. In recent weeks, nearby residents reported herds straying into farmland and village roads, likely due to the destruction of their usual migratory paths. Wildlife experts warned that such encounters might become more frequent and dangerous if the illegal excavation continues.
Environmentalists in the region expressed dismay over the silence from the state’s forest department leadership. They have urged the government to initiate independent audits of forest activities and immediately deploy special task forces to monitor and secure sensitive corridors. They also called for satellite surveillance to track changes in forest cover and identify hotspots of illegal operations.
The Assam government, which has championed wildlife conservation in various forums, now faces pressure to act decisively. Conservation groups argue that failing to protect one of the last intact elephant corridors in Kamrup will undermine the state’s overall ecological balance. They also highlight the impact of soil excavation on river flow and groundwater levels, which could have long-term consequences for agriculture in the area.
Meanwhile, villagers have begun mobilizing to protect what remains of their natural surroundings. Community leaders organized small patrols and held public awareness meetings to resist smuggling efforts. Some even documented the presence of machinery and shared video evidence with local news outlets in hopes of drawing national attention.
With the monsoon approaching, locals fear that loose soil and weakened forest areas could lead to erosion and flash floods. They demand immediate restoration work, including tree plantation drives and embankment repairs. Most importantly, they want the government to ensure transparency and accountability within the forest department.
The fate of Assam’s Bondapara range and its wildlife now hangs in the balance. Whether the authorities act in time or allow vested interests to plunder this fragile ecosystem will determine not only the health of the elephant corridor but also the environmental credibility of the state. As public pressure mounts, all eyes remain fixed on what the government will do next.
Environmental advocates have started pushing for legal intervention, calling on the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to step in. Several local NGOs are preparing documentation to file a formal complaint, citing the irreversible damage already caused and the likelihood of further degradation if action is delayed. They believe only judicial pressure can force systemic accountability and curb the nexus between smugglers and corrupt officials.
Students and youth organizations in the region have also joined the movement, staging peaceful demonstrations and submitting memorandums to the district administration. Many young people are using social media to share drone footage and photographs of deforested zones, hoping to amplify awareness and attract the attention of state and national leaders.
In a recent community meeting, elders from nearby villages recounted how the forest served as a natural shield during floods and storms in previous decades. They worry that removing tree cover will expose their homes to harsher climate effects. Their lived experiences serve as a powerful reminder that deforestation isn’t just an ecological issue — it’s a threat to human safety and survival.
Local tea garden workers, who rely heavily on forest resources for fuelwood and herbs, reported dwindling access due to ongoing excavation. Several families have already faced economic hardship as the forest loses its ability to support traditional livelihoods. Women in particular, who play a central role in collecting forest produce, have expressed concern over walking longer distances for basic needs.
Wildlife photographers and conservation scientists from across Assam have begun documenting the crisis. They hope to compile visual evidence that could strengthen environmental litigation and influence policy changes. Some are calling for the area to be designated as an eco-sensitive zone to prevent further commercial exploitation.
The Assam State Biodiversity Board has yet to issue a statement, but experts insist that their intervention could offer much-needed scientific assessment and conservation support. If the board formally acknowledges the site’s ecological importance, it could trigger new layers of legal protection and mobilize federal conservation grants.
As the crisis unfolds, the people of West Kamrup continue to raise their voices. Their message is clear: they want protection for the forest, justice for the wrongdoing, and a future where Assam’s natural wealth is preserved, not plundered.