Guwahati: Assam’s Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary has recorded its first-ever sighting of the rare migratory Smew (Mergellus albellus), marking a conservation milestone for the protected area, Forest and Climate Change Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said on Sunday.
Alongside the Smew, teams also recorded the endangered Bengal Florican, highlighting the sanctuary’s growing importance as a safe habitat for diverse birdlife, he said.
“Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary has achieved a remarkable conservation milestone with the first-ever sighting of the rare migratory Smew, alongside the recording of Bengal florican,” Baruah said in a post on X.
In a parallel effort to safeguard wetland ecosystems, strict enforcement measures led to the arrest of an individual engaged in illegal fishing within the sanctuary waters.
The DFO, Nagaon wildlife division, along with concerned range officers, has initiated strict measures to curb such violations. These include increased patrolling in vulnerable areas, surprise checks, installation of monitoring points, and legal action against repeat offenders.
Officials alleged that following the crackdown, a section of the illegal fishermen spread fake news 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, 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 on Friday.
The department has urged local communities and media to verify information with official sources before publication.
