Introduction

Lakhimpur Forest Division, covering 2277 sq. km, spans the entire Lakhimpur district. Bounded by the Himalayas in the north and the Brahmaputra plains in the south, the Division includes Ranga, Kakoi, Dullung, Pabha, and Kadam Reserved Forests. Northern forests border Arunachal Pradesh, while the southern forests are flood—prone and affected by erosion and encroachment.

History

Formed in 1971, the Division lies between latitudes 26°53° to 27°26°N and longitudes 93°46° to 94°18°E. It includes five reserve forests:
1. Ranga RF:       8528.71 ha

2. Kakoi RF:       4415.03 ha

3. Dullung RF:    9900.03 ha

4. Pabha RF:       4625.87 ha

5. Kadam RF:     3625.91 ha

District Survey Report of Forest Department, Lakhimpur

Click here to view the DSR of Forest Department

Our Mandate

The primary mandate of a Forest Department is to ensure the conservation and sustainable management of forest resources. It includes to safeguard the forests and wildlife, to preserve and add new dimensions to the rich heritage of our composite culture, to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife
and to have compassion for living creatures. It also encompasses opening up the forestry sector for income and employment generation among our people while conserving the priceless biodiversity of the State.
The Division is committed to forest and wildlife conservation, sustainable resource use, ecological protection, and community involvement through:
 

• Forest protection and biodiversity conservation
• Policy implementation at national and state levels
• Research, education, and public awareness
• Joint Forest Management and wildlife care
• Data collection for informed decision-making

Key Programme and Schemes

1. World Environment Day, 2024

World Environment Day is a key global event to raise awareness and inspire action for protecting our planet. Celebrated each year by the Forest Department with a specific theme, it encourages everyone to contribute to a healthier Earth. The 2024 theme, "Land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience," highlights the urgent need to restore ecosystems and combat climate change. The World Environment Day, 2024 Celebrated across the Division with awareness events, seedling distribution (17,104 planted), and competitions for students.

2. Amrit Bikhya Aandolan

Amyrit Brikshya Aandolan was launched by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam on 8th  June 2023 as a massive plantation drive. On 17th September 2023, lakhs of people—including women’s groups, school children, teachers, tea garden workers, NGOs, and eco-conscious citizens—planted 53 commercially valuable species across the state. Seedlings were provided free of cost by the Forest Department. The Lakhimpur Forest Division distributed 4.51 lakh seedlings in 2023 and 12.80 lakh in 2024.

3. Ek Ped Maa Ka Naam

In addition to Amrit Brikshya Andolan, the Government of Assam will be planting seedlings in the honour of mother. The Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has launched `Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' Campaign on the occasion of World Environment Day, 2024 and encouraged citizens "to plant a tree in the coming days as a tribute to your mother". Under Lakhimpur Division 13,888 no's of seedlings were distributed and planted.

4. Assam Project on Forest and Biodiversity Conservation (APFBC)

Supported by the Agency Francaise de Development (AFD), the APFBC project aims to restore forest ecosystems and enhance livelihoods. It targets 6 JFMCs under Lakhimpur Division, benefiting over 950 households. Activities include forest restoration, fuelwood plantation, and the establishment of community-based enterprises like nurseries and weaving centres.

5.  Training and Capacity Building 

The Forest Department organizes training programs to empower community members. These sessions cover topics such as sustainable forest management, value addition of forest products, and the formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

6. Skill Development Training Imparted to Villagers by JFMC & EDC Members

As for Skill Development training imparted to villagers by JFMC under .Lakhimpur Forest Division, 6 JFMCs, benefiting over 500 beneficiaries are trained by TIE (Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship) in APFBC Phase-I & by PISA in Phase-II with different type of Skill Development Training program i.e. Weaving, Tailoring, Honey Bee, Vermicompost, Piggery, Poultry, Driving and Mushroom.

Key Schemes

1. Afforestation under CAMPA

During the period of 2021-2025, a total of 300Ha. were planted in evicted areas of Pabha Reserved Forest (RF) and 5011a. in Ranga Reserve Forest under the CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) initiative. This is a critical step towards rejuvenating the forest ecosystem and improving biodiversity in the region.

2. Reforestation under the APFBC Scheme

• The Kakoi Reserve Forest (RF) saw the plantation of 290 hectares under the Assam Project on Forest and Biodiversity Conservation (APFBC) scheme. This project is part of a larger effort to restore degraded forest land and enhance forest cover in the region
• A deep tube well with an overhead tank is being installed in Joyhing Beat to ensure a reliable water supply. Additionally, a 6 km long forest road at Dullung Tarioni has already been constructed, enhancing connectivity and accessibility in the region.
• Furthermore, the construction of an RCC (G+1) Lakhimpur Division Office building is set to commence shortly under the SOPD scheme, aiming to strengthen administrative infrastructure and service delivery.

Achievements

1. Eviction and Land Reclamation

During 2022-2023, the Lakhirnpur Forest Division successfully reclaimed 175013a. of forest land of Pabba Reserve Forest from illegal encroachers and reclaimed 2.0Ha. in the Rampur Beat area of Ranga Reserved Forest (RF) by demolishing an illegal puma house. This action has not only restored the land to its natural state but also sent a strong message about the protection of forest resources from encroachment.

2. Afforestation under CAMPA

During the period of 2021-2025, a total of 300Ha. were planted in evicted areas of Pabha Reserved Forest (RF) and 100Ha. in Ranga Reserve Forest under the CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) initiative. This is a critical step towards rejuvenating the forest ecosystem and improving biodiversity in the region.

3. Reforestation under the APFBC Scheme

The Kakoi Reserved Forest (RF) saw the planting of 290 hectares under the Assam Project on Forest and Biodiversity Conservation (APFBC) scheme. This project is part of a larger effort to restore degraded forest land and enhance forest cover in the region.

4. Selection of Gaon Pradhans from Forest Villages and FRC Villages

Fifteen Gaon Pradhans were selected by the villagers Ind subsequently approved by the Hon'ble Guardian Minister of Lakhimpur District on 29th November 2024. The Government of Assam has decided to provide them with a regular monthly remuneration starting from January 2025.

5. Creation of Employment Opportunities

Assam is renowned worldwide for its unique silk weaving traditions, particularly Muga silk, which is considered one of the finest and rarest silks in the world. In January 2024, eleven beneficiaries were 'trained and equipped to enhabee their creativity and craftsmanship. They embraced the opportunity with great enthusiasm. After the initial training, their skills quickly grew and begun to spread across the region, They started taking orders to weave exquisite silk and Muga stoles. In addition to stoles, they also crafted traditional items such as Gamusas, Mekhela-Chadars, and a variety of dupattas. Through their work, they not only showcased their refined weaving skills but also celebrated and promoted the rich cultural heritage of their community—making it both smart and sustainable.

Future Plan

The indigenous communities of five villages — Badhakara Sonowal, Haridas Berkep, Kachikata Majgaon, Maghuwachuck, and Namoni Dorge, located in the ICadath Reserve Forest have submitted claims for their rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. These claims are currently under process, and upon verification, eligible beneficiaries will be granted land tides as per the provisions of the Act.