Golaghat (Assam): A proposed plantation drive at Rengma Reserve Forest in Assam’s Golaghat district, along the Assam-Nagaland border, was postponed on Saturday as officials decided to await the Nagaland chief minister’s approval before proceeding.
Senior ministers and top officials from both states met near the proposed site to review the plan and agreed to take forward the initiative jointly.
Assam’s Environment and Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary led his state’s delegation, while Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton represented his state.
“Both evictions and plantation activities will continue. Today’s drive was deferred because the deputy CM needs to apprise his chief minister and seek approval. Once that happens, we will go ahead,” Patowary told reporters.
He clarified that Assam already had the necessary clearance but preferred a joint approach with Nagaland to ensure mutual cooperation.
Patton assured that the status quo along the inter-state border would be maintained in line with court directives.
“We are thankful to the Assam government for removing fencing and pillars here. Eviction of encroachments will continue,” he said.
An official statement from the Golaghat district administration said the two delegations visited Rengma Reserve Forest and later held discussions at Bidyapur Field in Uriamghat.
The talks focused on ecological restoration, forest conservation, and the importance of collaboration between the states.
It was agreed that the plantation initiative would be formally launched after consultations between the chief ministers of both states.
Both governments reiterated their commitment to protect forests and promote sustainable development in the sensitive border region.
Assam shares a 512.1-km boundary with Nagaland, a matter of dispute since Nagaland’s creation in 1963. The case is currently pending in the Supreme Court.
ALSO READ: AIIMS-Guwahati aims to serve Northeast, neighbouring nations, says new chief
Earlier this month, Assam carried out a two-phase eviction drive in Rengma Reserve Forest, clearing encroachments on about 9,000 bighas of land in the first phase, which affected around 1,500 families.
The second phase removed 41 families from 26 hectares on August 18.
Following the eviction, reports emerged of Naga people attempting to reoccupy the cleared land—claims dismissed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
He emphasised that Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio had agreed to join hands for the plantation drive.
“We plan to plant saplings on 12,000 bighas of land in Rengma. This will be a significant step for ecological restoration,” Sarma said.
