Assam has decided to take the necessary steps to upgrade the Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary into a national park.

State chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal held a meeting with the officials of Forest Department on Monday in this regard.

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In order to expedite the process of upgrading Dehing Patkai into a national park, the chief minister directed the Forest Department to prepare a draft notification and hold public hearing to take the views of local dwellers residing around the Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary.

Sonowal also instructed to prepare action plan for preserving the adjoining areas of the wildlife sanctuary and include the opinion of the public in the adjoining areas in the draft action plan.

Sonowal reiterated the State Government commitment’s to preserve the national resources and environment of the State and highlighted Dehing Patkai’s role in maintaining forest cover in the State.

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He also directed the Forest Department to take necessary action in consultation with Union Environment and Forest Ministry.

Notably Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 111.942 square kilometers.

The total number of national parks in Assam would increase to six after the up-gradation of Dehing Patkai into a national park.