Guwahati: In a significant policy declaration, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a comprehensive and systematic plan to clear forest encroachments across the state. CM Sarma, speaking from Guwahati on Friday, stated that the drive will be a sustained effort spanning at least a decade, reflecting the sheer scale and complexity of the issue. The Chief Minister emphasised that this long-term commitment is essential to restore Assam’s vital forest cover and maintain the region’s ecological balance.
The Chief Minister has directed all Deputy Commissioners to conduct a thorough assessment of encroachments in their respective districts. Sarma affirmed that the government’s policy is to evict all illegal occupants, with the exception of those who are rightfully living on the land and are eligible for protection under the provisions of the Forest Rights Act. This nuanced approach, he noted, seeks to strike a balance between conservation and the rights of traditional forest dwellers.
The announcement comes amidst a series of ongoing eviction drives by the Assam government to reclaim state land and protect biodiversity. While these drives have been met with mixed reactions, CM Sarma’s statement signals a more organised and long-term strategy. The government’s renewed push is being welcomed by environmentalists and forest officials who see it as a critical step in preserving Assam’s rich natural heritage. However, the implementation of such a large-scale and sensitive operation is expected to face considerable challenges, particularly in distinguishing between illegal encroachers and legitimate forest dwellers and marginalised communities.
Sarma’s comments align with the state’s broader commitment to environmental governance and climate action, reflecting a policy that is both locally sensitive and globally aware. The government is committed to restoring degraded forest lands and enforcing environmental regulations as part of its overarching conservation framework. With this decade-long plan, the Assam government is setting a clear priority for the future, aiming to reclaim and restore forest lands that are vital for the state’s ecological well-being.
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