Assam's Eviction Drive Clears 912 Bighas of Encroached Land

In a significant move, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the successful clearance of 912 bighas of encroached land in Damcherra within two days. This operation is part of a broader initiative aimed at reclaiming illegal settlements across the state. The reclaimed area is reportedly larger than the IIT Guwahati campus, highlighting the government's commitment to protecting its land and forests. The eviction drive, which is ongoing, has already seen a reduction in the number of affected families as many chose to vacate voluntarily. This campaign is not only about land recovery but also about preserving Assam's ecological balance and indigenous identity.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 4, 2026, 12:53 IST

Major Eviction Operation in Assam

Guwahati, Feb 4: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Tuesday that an eviction operation in Damcherra, located within the Gharmura forest range near the Mizoram border, has successfully cleared 912 bighas of land believed to be encroached upon in just two days.

Sarma highlighted in a social media update that the reclaimed area in Hailakandi district is larger than the IIT Guwahati campus, emphasizing the government's determination to recover encroached territories.

This initiative reflects the state's dedication to safeguarding its land and forest resources.

The eviction at Damcherra is part of a larger state-wide effort aimed at removing illegal settlers from forest, government, and reserve lands.

The Chief Minister has reiterated that this campaign is crucial for maintaining Assam's ecological integrity and preserving its indigenous culture.

According to officials, the eviction drive, which is set to continue until February 4, initially impacted 522 families. However, many residents chose to leave voluntarily before the operation commenced, reducing the number of affected families to 516.

The first phase of this eviction, which started on February 2, primarily targeted betel nut plantations, as reported by officials.

The area designated for eviction, which includes six forest villages, has been organized into seven sectors to facilitate the operation.

On Monday, excavators were utilized in sectors 5, 6, and 7, successfully clearing several bighas of land identified as encroached. The next day, eviction efforts proceeded in sectors 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Divisional Forest Officer (Hailakandi) Akhil Dutta indicated that any remaining tasks would be completed on the third day following discussions, suggesting the operation may conclude soon.

Previously, in 2025, the Chief Minister stated that his administration had reclaimed over 1,19,548 bighas (approximately 160 sq km) of land from illegal settlers between 2021 and 2025 as part of its ongoing eviction and land reclamation efforts.