Recently, National Board of Wildlife gave conditional clearance to a coal-mining project by Coal India Limited (CIL) in the 98.59 hectares of Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve.
The clearance led to virtual protests in the state.
Dehing Patkai that is also known as Amazon of East forms the largest stretch of tropical lowland rainforests in India.
It is also believed to be the last remaining contiguous patch of low land rain forests in Assam.
Dehing Patkai is also home to
Over 200 species of birds
Asiatic elephants
Leopards
Hoolock gibbons
Pangolins
Bears
Many species of butterflies
Orchids
It is the place with highest concentration of rare endangered White Winged Wood Duck.
Concerns were also raised that the habitats of these species would be affected due to wanton coal mining.
The state՚s forest department will prepare a draft notification for public hearing to expedite the process of upgrading Dehing Patkai into a National Park.
It will also take necessary actions for upgrading Dehing Patkai into a national park in consultation with MoEFCC.
The wildlife sanctuaries are protected areas, which permit some activities such as grazing.
However, national parks require complete protection status under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The Dehing Patkai was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2004.
After up gradation, Dehing Patkai will be 6th national park in Assam.