Large-Scale Eviction Drive Launched in Assam to Reclaim Forest Land
Authorities in Assam initiated a significant eviction operation on Sunday, targeting illegal settlements within the Badsahi and Dohalia reserve forests located in the Patharkandi constituency of Sribhumi district. The drive aims to reclaim approximately 12,000 hectares of encroached forest land and evict 975 families residing unlawfully in these protected areas.
Operation Details and Security Measures
The eviction drive is being conducted across multiple forest pockets after nearly 1,000 families were served eviction notices in advance. Senior district and forest officials were present on-site to oversee the operation, with substantial deployments of police and paramilitary forces to ensure security and maintain law and order throughout the process.
Karimganj divisional forest officer Amol R Borhade reported that many residents had already vacated their homes following the notices. The current focus is on dismantling the remaining settlements. "The drive is progressing peacefully. It will take around three days to reclaim the land, and another two days may be required to complete the entire operation," Borhade stated.
Methods and Resources Deployed
According to officials, the eviction involves the demolition of houses and makeshift structures, as well as the clearing of overgrown vegetation to restore the land to its natural forest state. A total of 45 excavators and seven trained elephants have been deployed for this exercise. Additionally, about 300 forest department personnel and 400 laborers are engaged in the operation to facilitate the clearing and restoration efforts.
Borhade confirmed that there was no resistance from any quarter during the first day of the drive, indicating a cooperative response from the affected communities. "The eviction will resume on Monday," he added, highlighting the planned continuation of the operation.
Scope and Objectives of the Drive
The operation spans multiple reserve forest areas in Patharkandi, including Madhurban, Narayanpur, Chagalmowa, Madhabpur, Badshahi, and Dohalia. Officials emphasized that this eviction drive is part of a sustained effort to protect reserve forests, reclaim encroached land, and prevent future encroachments, underscoring the long-term environmental and legal goals of the initiative.
