The Assam Cabinet on Sunday approved proposals for notifying two ‘beels’ (waterbodies) in Goalpara as proposed reserve forest (PRF) to maintain ‘social and natural balance’. Among the most significant decisions was the Cabinet’s approval to notify two prominent wetlands — Urpad Beel (1,256 hectares) and Hasila Beel (245 hectares) in Goalpara district — as Proposed Reserve Forests (PRFs) under Section 5 of the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891. The move is aimed at protecting biodiversity-rich ecosystems and preserving the social and natural balance in the region.
“These wetlands are ecologically sensitive and rich in biodiversity. One month’s time will be provided for public suggestions before the notification is finalized,” said CM Sarma during a press conference. The Cabinet also launched the ‘Shradhanjali’ scheme, aimed at ensuring dignified and government-facilitated transportation of mortal remains of youths and students from Assam who pass away while working or studying in other states. The scheme, effective from October 1, 2025, will apply especially to economically weaker individuals and special cases such as accidental or unnatural deaths. Medical-related deaths outside the state will not fall under its ambit.
Families will be able to alert authorities through dialing 112 or via a dedicated social media ID that will be created for this purpose. In a landmark social inclusion measure, the Cabinet formally recognized transgenders as ‘Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC)’, in alignment with the spirit of a Supreme Court ruling. This recognition enables eligible members of the transgender community in Assam to access reservation benefits in education and employment.
