Guwahati, Jul 26 (PTI) A 26-member forest department team from Assam remained untraced for two days along the state’s border with Nagaland, and finally returned home on Sunday, a minister said.
The team was on a routine patrol and combing operations along the interstate border in Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong districts, Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said in a post on X.
“The team had lost contact while carrying out patrolling and combing operations in the remote forests along the Dima Hasao-Karbi Anglong-Nagaland border, where network connectivity is limited,” Baruah said.
For nearly two days, communication remained disrupted, following which an extensive search operation involving the forest department, police and district administration, supported by drones and a senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) team, was launched, he said.
“Relieved to share that our Forest Department team comprising 23 forest officials and 3 accompanying personnel has been traced and is safe,” the minister said.
The team comprised forest staff from four ranges – Langting, Manderdisa, Hatikhola and Maibong.
“This incident is a reminder of the extraordinary commitment of our forest personnel. They venture into some of the most remote and challenging terrains to protect our forests, wildlife and natural heritage, often putting themselves at great personal risk,” Baruah said.
He thanked every agency involved in the search efforts, and acknowledged the bravery of forest officials for their unwavering dedication and service. PTI TR RBT
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