Gethsemane Community Forest

Gethsemane Community Forest is a community-managed man-made forest located at Bhairabkunda in Udalguri district, Assam, near the Assam-Bhutan border at the confluence of the Dhansiri and Bhairabi rivers. Created from barren degraded land by local villagers through a Joint Forest Management Committee, it now covers over 6 square kilometres with diverse native trees. It is notable as a successful community conservation model and a tranquil nature destination near the Bhairabkunda picnic spot.

Visitors can expect a dense, tranquil man-made forest with mixed native trees, open trails and natural pathways near the Bhairabkunda river confluence. The setting is rural and forested with views of the Bhutan hills, birdlife and seasonal river flows. Visitors can walk along forest trails, observe flora and fauna, take photographs and visit the adjacent Bhairabkunda picnic area and irrigation project. Facilities are basic and the experience is nature-focused and quiet.

Gethsemane Community Forest was initiated in 2006 by 35 members of the Bhairabkunda Joint Forest Management Committee on degraded, deforested barren land. Through sustained community plantation and protection efforts, the barren area was transformed into a dense forest, recognized as a notable community-led afforestation and conservation initiative in Assam.

The forest represents community-based conservation by local villagers, primarily from the Bodo community, demonstrating collective stewardship of natural resources. It is valued locally as an example of environmental restoration and sustainable community management.