Hojai District's Forest Department Prepares for Major Eviction of Illegal Encroachers
Eviction Drive Against Encroachers in Hojai
HOJAI, Dec 16: The Forest department is gearing up to initiate a significant eviction campaign targeting illegal encroachments in various forest regions of Hojai district, particularly the Jamuna Maudanga Reserved Forest, which falls under the South Nagaon Forest Division. Official reports indicate that extensive areas of forest land have been encroached upon over the years.
Encroachers are accused of clearing forested areas, transforming them into betel nut plantations, excavating ponds for aquaculture, and participating in various unlawful activities.
In light of these issues, the Forest department has decided to take action.
On December 11, a high-level inspection was carried out by MK Yadav, the special principal secretary of the Forest department, along with other senior officials.
The inspection team comprised the senior superintendent of police from the Forest Protection Force, the additional superintendent of police from Hojai, the DFO of the South Nagaon Forest Division, Nayan Jyoti Rajbongshi, the Daboka circle officer, the officer-in-charge of Daboka police station, and other prominent district administration officials.
The team assessed the areas designated for eviction, including Udmari, Jamuna village, Ganiarpar village, and nearby regions within the Jamuna Maudanga Reserved Forest. It was noted that this forest land was previously recognized as part of the Daboka Reserved Forest.
However, over the last three decades, a group of suspected encroachers has reportedly devastated trees and other forest resources across approximately 6,000 bighas of land. Illegal structures have been erected, and families have established permanent residences, creating a concerning situation for the forest ecosystem.
In addition to habitation, agricultural practices have also been initiated on the encroached land.
During the inspection, the team engaged in comprehensive discussions regarding the strategy and methods for executing the eviction drive effectively.
Officials from the Forest department informed the media that notices have been issued to 1,250 families occupying over 5,500 bighas of forest land. These notices, distributed on October 10, provided a one-month timeframe for the families to vacate the premises.
Following the issuance of notices, several families have reportedly vacated the forest area voluntarily. However, many continue to inhabit the encroached land, expressing concerns about their relocation and future livelihoods.
Sources suggest that the Forest department, in collaboration with the Hojai district administration, may commence the eviction drive at any moment to reclaim the reserved forest land and rehabilitate the damaged forest ecosystem.