Intensified Eviction Drive in Assam's Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary

Ongoing Eviction Operations in Sonitpur

Sonitpur, Jan 6: The eviction efforts targeting encroachments on compensatory afforestation land within the Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam's Sonitpur district continued for a second day on Tuesday, with the district administration ramping up its operations.

On the second day, the focus was on clearing encroached regions in Jamuktal, Arimari, Chiali Char, Baghetapu, Galtidubi, Lathimari Char, Kunduli Char, East Duamara, and Batli Char, which fall under the Tezpur Sadar and Thelamara revenue circles.

The eviction process commenced around 10 am, supported by a significant security presence, including 36 excavators, 60 tractors, and approximately 300 security personnel, as reported by officials.

Initially, the operation encountered strong resistance, with some occupants reportedly confronting security forces and journalists wielding machetes and sticks to hinder the eviction. However, officials managed to regain control of the situation.

The day's operations wrapped up around 4 pm, with machinery and security units remaining stationed at Baghetapu, according to officials.

The eviction was overseen by District Commissioner Anand Kumar Das and Senior Superintendent of Police Barun Purkayastha. Revenue officials organized the encroached char areas into three sectors—Baghetapu, Arimari, and Jamuktal—to facilitate the operation.

Some families that were evicted claimed they had been allowed to return to the sanctuary after a previous eviction in 2023, alleging that local officials had facilitated their reoccupation for a fee. The administration has not yet addressed these claims.

The eviction drive is set to continue on Wednesday morning, with officials asserting that the land will be thoroughly cleared and secured to prevent future encroachments.

This operation began on January 5, aiming to reclaim around 6,200 bighas of compensatory afforestation land that had been illegally occupied by approximately 710 households for residential and agricultural purposes.

The Sonitpur district administration, in collaboration with the forest department, had issued notices nearly a month prior, instructing encroachers to vacate the premises.

As many did not comply, a large-scale eviction was initiated to reclaim protected forest land essential for the sanctuary's ecological integrity.

Officials noted that the land had previously been cleared and designated for compensatory afforestation following an eviction in 2023, but it was reportedly reoccupied within months, despite new notices issued before the current operation.

The first day of the eviction saw a substantial deployment of personnel and machinery, including around 20 excavators, 100 laborers, and 500 police officers.