Green spaces have witnessed various threats (especially in the urban regions) such as deforestation for industries, encroachment, diversion for physical infrastructure. In such a scenario,Guwahati has been an exemplary example of urban jungle, where the various flora and fauna have thrived despite challenges.
Hengrabari is a 620 hectare reserve forest, which is referred to as the Guwahati city’s lungs. The hengrabari reserve forest is also home to Assam state zoo.
Reserve Forests
- Unlike national parks or wildlife sanctuaries of India, reserved forests and protected forests are declared by the respective state governments.
- At present, reserved forests and protected forests differ in one important way: Rights to all activities like hunting, grazing, etc. in reserved forests are banned unless specific orders are issued otherwise. In protected areas, rights to activities like hunting and grazing are sometimes given to communities living on the fringes of the forest, who sustain their livelihood partially or wholly from forest resources or products.
- The Indian Forests Act 1927defines the procedure to be followed for declaring an area to be a reserved forest, a protected forest or a village forest.
Source: The Hindu
