Nagaon: Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary has intensified its conservation efforts with a series of key operational successes in monitoring, enforcement, and habitat restoration, official sources said today here. During the 7th Kaziranga Waterbird Count 2026, sanctuary staff recorded a high overall bird count and rich species diversity across major wetlands including Rowmari, Dondowa, and Muamari Beels. In a significant finding, the team documented the first-ever sighting of the rare migratory Smew ‘Mergellus albellus’ as well as the Bengal florican in the sanctuary, highlighting Laokhowa’s growing importance as a wintering ground for waterbirds, sources added further.
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In a parallel drive to safeguard wetland ecosystems, strict enforcement measures led to the arrest of an individual involved in illegal fishing inside sanctuary waters. The DFO, Nagaon Wildlife Division, along with concerned range officers have now initiated strict measures to curb such violations. These include increased patrolling in vulnerable beels, surprise checks, installation of monitoring points, and legal action against repeat offenders. Officials alleged that following the crackdown, a section of illegal fishermen spread fake news through few newspapers in an attempt to mislead department officials and create confusion among the public. The Forest Department has clarified that all enforcement actions are being carried out as per the Wildlife Protection Act and has warned of legal consequences for spreading misinformation to obstruct conservation work.
On the habitat front, following an anti-encroachment drive in the Singimari Sub-Beat area in June 2026 that cleared illegal agricultural land, forest teams undertook a restoration project. Over 2,500 native saplings were planted across 1.5 hectares to restore green cover and secure core wildlife habitat. Speaking on the developments, forest officials reiterated that Laokhowa continues to strengthen its protection, survey, and habitat restoration efforts. “Our priority is to protect biodiversity and wetland health. We will not allow illegal activities or attempts to derail conservation through false propaganda,” a senior official said. The department has urged local communities and media to verify information with official sources before publication.
