Forest clearance of over 1,000 bighas in Assam as part of an eviction drive to remove encroachments on forest land.
The Assam government has been actively carrying out an eviction drive in the Golaghat district, reclaiming nearly 1,000 bighas of forest land from encroachment. The operation, which began on Sunday, has displaced over 350 families in areas like Gelajan and No. 3 Rajapukhuri.
The eviction drive was overseen by senior officials to ensure legal compliance, reflecting the state's strong focus on ecological restoration by removing illegal encroachments. The drive was carried out peacefully without any resistance.
Simultaneously, in the Uriamghat area of Golaghat district, a separate eviction drive has been temporarily stayed by the Gauhati High Court until August 14, 2025. This stay follows petitions by about 75 affected families who argue that the land has not been officially classified as forest or revenue land and that they have inhabited the area for many years, receiving government welfare benefits such as homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), electricity, and other civic amenities.
The legal stay in Uriamghat highlights ongoing disputes about land rights and inadequate notice for eviction. The upcoming court hearing on August 14 will be pivotal in deciding the fate of these families and the land’s legal classification.
The eviction drive at Rengma Reserve Forest, initially reported to be overseen by senior officials including M K Yadav, Pulak Mahanta, and Rajen Singh, has been clarified to have taken place outside of Nambor South Reserve Forest. The drive resulted in new displacement of families beyond the 350 families mentioned earlier.
Besides Rengma Reserve Forest, 205 households in the Negheribil area under Merapani have been served eviction notices. The eviction drive in Negheribil area under Merapani is scheduled to commence from August 8.
It is important to note that the majority of the families displaced at Rengma Reserve Forest are from the Muslim community. The eviction initiative in Golaghat district is being carried out in coordination with the Golaghat District Administration, Assam Police, Central Reserve Police Force, and the Government of Nagaland.
The eviction drive, while aimed at ecological restoration, has raised concerns over the displaced families' rehabilitation and access to dignified living. As the situation unfolds, it underscores the complexity and human impact of such drives.
Sources: - Hindustan Times, Aug 3, 2025 - YouTube Times Now, Aug 4, 2025 - India Today NE, Aug 5, 2025 - NE Now, Aug 6, 2025
- The Assam government, while focusing on ecological restoration and combating illegal encroachments, is also responsible for the welfare of displaced families, such as those who have received homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
- The ongoing eviction drives in different parts of the Golaghat district, like Rengma Reserve Forest and Negheribil area under Merapani, have raised concerns about the rehabilitation of the families displaced and their access to dignified living, which are essential elements of any government's role (industry, finance, and science).
- The eviction drive at Rengma Reserve Forest, although aimed at ecological restoration, has led to the displacement of a significant number of families from the Muslim community, highlighting the need for sensitive and inclusive approaches in such situations, especially in relation to environmental-science and governance.
