Poba Reserve Forest, which has been declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 2024, is located in which Indian state?

The correct answer is Assam. Key Points Poba Reserve Forest is located in the Dhemaji district of Assam , situated along the border of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. It was officially declared a Wildlife Sanctuary by the Assam government in July 2024 to enhance its conservation status and protect its rich biodiversity. Spanning an area of approximately 10,522 hectares , the Poba Reserve Forest was originally notified as a reserved forest in 1924 during the British era. It is often referred to as the "Rainforest of the East" due to its dense canopy and significant rainfall, housing a vast array of flora and fauna unique to the Himalayan foothills. The sanctuary serves as a vital wildlife corridor , connecting the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in Assam with the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh . This connectivity is crucial for the movement of long-ranging animals, particularly the Asian Elephant , and helps maintain genetic diversity among wildlife populations in the region. Poba is a biodiversity hotspot, home to several threatened and endangered species , including the Slow Loris, Capped Langur, and the Hoolock Gibbon. Geographically, it is located at the confluence of three major rivers—the Siang, Dibang, and Lohit —which join to form the mighty Brahmaputra River, making the ecosystem highly productive but also prone to soil erosion and flood-related challenges. The decision to upgrade Poba to a Wildlife Sanctuary was a long-standing demand of environmentalists and local communities. This status will provide stronger legal protection against encroachment, illegal logging, and poaching, while also promoting eco-tourism and sustainable livelihood opportunities for the local Mising community inhabiting the fringes. Additional Information Arunachal Pradesh: Known as the "Land of the Rising Sun," this state shares a border with the Poba region. It is home to the Namdapha National Park , which is the only park in the world to host four feline species of big cats: Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Clouded Leopard. Manipur: This state is famous for the Keibul Lamjao National Park , the world's only floating national park, located on Loktak Lake. It is the natural habitat of the Sangai (brow-antlered deer), which is the state animal of Manipur. Meghalaya: Known for its high rainfall and "Living Root Bridges," Meghalaya houses the Balpakram National Park and Nokrek National Park . Nokrek is also a UNESCO-recognized Biosphere Reserve, primarily known for protecting the Red Panda and the mother germplasm of Citrus indica (Indian wild orange).