Why in news?
Armed miscreants reportedly fired at forest guards on 7 July 2026. The guards were trying to stop illegal tree felling inside Behali forest. Officials reported that about 16 rounds were fired. The incident renewed attention on encroachment and the Assam–Arunachal boundary dispute.
Background
Behali lies in Biswanath district of Assam, and it stands near the foothills of the Eastern Himalaya. The forest is north of the Brahmaputra River, and its northern edge meets the Assam–Arunachal Pradesh boundary.
Behali became a Reserved Forest in 1917, and its original notified area was about 140 square kilometres. Assam issued a preliminary notification in May 2022 for a larger sanctuary area.
The proposed wildlife sanctuary covers about 157.25 square kilometres. However, a preliminary notification is not the final declaration. Assam’s 2024 elephant report still calls Behali a proposed wildlife sanctuary.
Reserved Forest and Wildlife Sanctuary
- A Reserved Forest is notified under forest law. Public rights are restricted unless specifically recognised.
- A Wildlife Sanctuary is declared under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Sanctuary status gives a clearer wildlife-management purpose and stronger habitat protection.
- A proposal or preliminary notification does not automatically complete the legal process.
Landscape importance
Behali forms part of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, and its forests include tropical wet evergreen and semi-evergreen types. Some relatively intact rainforest patches remain inside the landscape.
The Borgang River borders the forest towards the west, and the Buroi River lies towards the east. Numerous smaller streams drain south towards the Brahmaputra system.
Behali belongs to the Sonitpur Elephant Reserve, notified in 2003. The wider landscape connects elephant habitats across northern Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. It supports movement and genetic exchange between elephant populations.
The area became an Important Bird Area in 1994. It was recognised as a Key Biodiversity Area in 2004, and these are scientific conservation designations. They are not separate categories under Indian wildlife law.
Important flora and fauna
- Large mammals: Asian elephant, tiger, clouded leopard and gaur occur in the landscape.
- Other mammals: Capped langur, Bengal slow loris and Chinese pangolin have been recorded.
- Birds: White-winged duck, Great Hornbill and Wreathed Hornbill are important species.
- Forest structure: Tall trees such as Tetrameles nudiflora provide nesting sites for hornbills.
Connection with the border dispute
Arunachal Pradesh became a Union Territory in 1972, and it became a state in 1987. Several parts of the inherited Assam boundary remained contested.
Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have used talks and regional committees since 2021. Boundary pillars were erected in some settled stretches during 2026, but areas linked with Papum Pare remain sensitive.
Illegal logging becomes harder to control in a disputed border landscape. Offenders can exploit uncertain jurisdiction and weak field presence. The latest firing shows the direct risk faced by forest personnel.
Conclusion
Behali is valuable both as a rainforest patch and an elephant corridor. Its legal status must be stated carefully, and strong border coordination is also essential for effective conservation.