Assam Government Intensifies Eviction Drives in Forest Areas

Eviction Initiatives Gain Momentum

Guwahati, Feb 26: With the Supreme Court's approval, the Assam Government is set to ramp up its eviction efforts in forest regions, aiming to clear encroachers from approximately five lakh bighas of forest land.

A committee has been established, consisting of officials from both the Forest and Revenue Departments. Encroachers will receive a 15-day notice to vacate the premises. Should they fail to comply within this timeframe, eviction will proceed. The Supreme Court has acknowledged that the government's approach to removing encroachments aligns with principles of fairness.

According to official sources, the government has already reclaimed around 1.5 lakh bighas of encroached land, which includes about 1.2 lakh bighas of forest land, with the remainder being revenue land.

Delays in eviction drives have often occurred due to encroachers seeking legal recourse. Recently, nine parties challenged the government's actions in the Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of the state, facilitating a smoother eviction process.

Challenges persist, as many encroachers have secured electricity and water connections, and in some instances, even land pattas. Nevertheless, the government remains resolute, viewing the clearance of five lakh bighas of forest land as a significant achievement.

Plantation efforts have commenced in some of the cleared areas, such as Lumding, Poha, Paikan, and Urimghat, with positive growth observed. Additional plantation activities are planned for the rainy season, although it may take two to three years to fully establish vegetation in all evicted regions.