Guwahati: In a resolute move to restore its vital ecological balance, the Assam government has undertaken a significant eviction operation in the Nambor South Reserve Forest of Golaghat district. The drive, which began on Sunday, successfully cleared nearly 1,000 bighas of land that were allegedly encroached upon, leading to the displacement of over 350 families. This action is the latest in a series of planned initiatives aimed at curbing illegal settlements and reclaiming forest land across the state.
The operation followed closely on the heels of a massive five-day drive in the Rengma Reserve Forest, which saw the conclusion of its first phase a day earlier. The authorities have now shifted their focus to the Gelajan and No. 3 Rajapukhuri areas, where the latest round of evictions targeted illegal settlements. Official reports indicate that the operation was carried out smoothly and without any resistance, a testament to the coordinated efforts of various agencies. Senior officials from the Forest Department, including Special Chief Secretary M K Yadav, alongside Golaghat’s Deputy Commissioner Pulak Mahanta and Superintendent of Police Rajen Singh, were present to oversee the execution.
This extensive ecological restoration strategy underscores the state’s unwavering commitment to protecting its natural heritage. An official statement affirmed that the drive would continue in the coming days, reinforcing the government’s resolve to secure its forest ecosystems. The joint operation involved a robust collaboration between the Assam Forest Department, the Golaghat District Administration, the Assam Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Government of Nagaland.
The recent evictions in Golaghat mirror a similar drive in the Rengma Reserve Forest near the Assam-Nagaland border, where around 1,500 families, predominantly from the Muslim community, were displaced. Further action is anticipated, as eviction notices have already been served to 205 households in the Negheribil area of Merapani, which falls under the Doyang Reserve Forest. The next phase of this ongoing drive is scheduled to commence on August 8.