Context

Recently, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the Assam’s Chief Secretary to provide details of officers who let polling stations, schools, and other construction activities in a wildlife sanctuary and a reserve forest in gross violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. 

• In an affidavit filed in April, the State government said several schools, a tea garden, a 5-km road, and wells were found to have been built in the Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary and the adjoining Charduar Reserve forest apart from polling stations under the Dhekiajuli, Rangapara, and Sootea Assembly constituencies. 

About Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Sonitpur, Assam.
  • The present core area of the sanctuary covers 175 sq km extending over the foothills of the Eastern Himalayan range. 
• Status: It was declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1998.
  • The Charduar Reserve Forest was created during the British period in 1878. 
  • Sonai-Rupai got its name from a small river that flows through this area.
• Geography: 
  • Flowing Rivers: Dolsiri, Gabharu, Gelgeli, and Belsiri. 
    • During the rainy season, several wetlands known as “bheels” can also be seen.
  • Soil: A mix of clay loam with fine sand with striking features of Bhabar.
  • Forest: Tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests. 
• Neighboring Protected Areas: 
  • The eastern boundary of Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is marked by Gabhoru river. 
  • The western boundary is marked by the Panchnoi river and the further west area is surrounded by Rowta reserve forest. 

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• • The northern area of the sanctuary shares an interstate boundary with Kameng reserve forest of West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. 
  • In the southern area, there is Charduar reserve forest and villages.
• Communities: Assamese, Nepali, Bodo, and indigenous people.
• Wildlife Available: Indian wild bison, Asian Elephant, tiger, leopard, wild boar and the White Winged Wood Duck

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