Guwahati, 03 July (HS): Assam Forest and Environment Minister Jayanta Mallabarua on Friday said the state's wildlife conservation initiatives under the guidance of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma have yielded remarkable results, with the tiger population in Nameri Tiger Reserve increasing from just three in 2022 to 12 by the end of 2025.

In a social media post on Friday, the minister said the achievement has been validated by the Wildlife Institute of India and reflects the success of sustained conservation efforts. He also highlighted the return of two tigers to Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary, the satellite core of Nameri Tiger Reserve, after decades of absence, describing it as another historic milestone for wildlife conservation in Assam.

Mallabarua further said the Forest Department has intensified its statewide action against illegal timber activities. As part of the ongoing enforcement drive, authorities cracked down on 34 illegal timber network units on Friday.

The minister asserted that the campaign against illegal timber operations will continue with full force to safeguard Assam's forests and strengthen conservation efforts across the state.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash