A special Gram Sabha convened on Oct 2, where villagers drafted a memorandum to submit to the Forest Department. The meeting, attended by 200 residents, underscored community commitment to the land.
Maguwahola's grazing ground hosts deer, wild ducks, and a mosaic of flora that has attracted wildlife for decades. For generations, villagers have acted as de facto guardians, keeping the area free of invasive species. Ramesh Baruah, a third‑generation cattle farmer, said the grazing ground sustains his family's livelihood and the local ecosystem.
Under Assam's Forest Act, a village forest requires formal notification. Assam Forest Department officials said they will evaluate the proposal within 60 days and issue a decision. If approved, the site will become the first community‑led village forest in the state.
The move could set a precedent for community‑led conservation across Assam, offering ecological benefits and potential eco‑tourism revenue. The Panchayat will hold a follow‑up meeting to plan monitoring and management, ensuring the forest's long‑term protection.