Nagaon District Launches Eviction Drive to Combat Flooding Issues

Eviction Drive Initiated in Flood-Prone Areas

Raha, Dec 16: The administration of Nagaon district has commenced a targeted eviction initiative in various flood-affected regions within the Dhing revenue circle, with the goal of removing illegal constructions that have contributed to ongoing artificial flooding.

This operation is taking place in areas such as Bherbheri, Shalnabari, Roumari, and Kathaguri, among others.

While the administration is committed to clearing encroachments on government land, the strategy employed this time has elicited mixed responses from the local populace.

In contrast to previous eviction efforts, this drive has not utilized bulldozers or heavy machinery.

Instead, officials are depending solely on manual labor, employing tools like spades, hoes, and pickaxes to dismantle illegal embankments, ponds, and fisheries that obstruct natural drainage pathways.

Officials emphasized that the focus of this operation is not on residential properties but rather on artificial ponds and temporary dams created by encroachers on public waterways.

These barriers, according to authorities, have hindered the natural water flow, leading to persistent waterlogging that has damaged roads and impacted the lives of residents in over twenty nearby villages.

Dhing Revenue Circle Officer Saurav Kumar Das stated that the eviction was initiated in response to repeated requests from local residents.

“The eviction is scheduled to last four days, concluding on December 20. Our primary goal is to eliminate illegally established fisheries. Approximately 500 such fisheries covering around 230 bighas of land will be dismantled. Wetlands including Magurmari beel, Gerekoni beel, Bherberi beel, and Shalnabari beel are included in this initiative,” he explained.

Additional Assistant Commissioner Soubhik Bhuyan noted that the lack of heavy machinery was due to logistical challenges.

“Bulldozers are unable to access the center of the large canals. Therefore, manual labor has been employed to restore the original watercourse,” he added.

Historically, a natural drainage route flowed from Bherbheri beel in Shalnabari village through Tuktuki, Ahom Gaon, Kathaguri, and Roumari beel, eventually draining into Magurmari beel.

Over the years, encroachers have constructed ponds, dams, and fish farms along this route, obstructing the waterway and transforming the area into a persistent artificial flood zone, according to officials.

While the local community largely supports the eviction's intent, many have expressed concerns regarding the methods and speed of the operation.

“We appreciate the Assam government for finally taking action. This eviction should have occurred years ago,” remarked a local resident.

“However, relying on axes and hammers instead of JCBs will not yield effective results. Workers may leave soon due to the winter, causing delays. At this pace, the eviction may not be completed for a month. We seek a thorough eviction, not a superficial effort,” they added.

Despite some dissatisfaction, residents remain optimistic that even partial restoration of the natural waterways could alleviate the long-standing issue of artificial flooding.