Guwahati: In a resolute push to reclaim public and community lands, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday, July 25, reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment to clearing all illegal encroachments across Assam. His assertion came during a visit to Uriamghat in Golaghat district, a site currently witnessing extensive eviction operations, where he emphasised that no illegal occupation of Village Grazing Reserves (VGR), Professional Grazing Reserves (PGR), Satras, Naamghars, forest land, or other public spaces would be tolerated.
The Chief Minister affirmed that the eviction drive would proceed systematically and in phases throughout the state. He disclosed that thousands of bighas of land had been unlawfully occupied, with some families allegedly encroaching upon as much as 300 to 400 bighas individually. In total, approximately 1,000 families were found to have taken over nearly 10,000 acres for various economic pursuits. A significant positive, he noted, was that close to 70% of the encroachers had already vacated voluntarily.
Sarma highlighted the diverse origins of the encroachers, tracing them to various parts of Assam including Cachar, Sribhumi, Dhubri, Barpeta, Hojai, Nagaon, and Morigaon, as well as from other states like West Bengal and Bihar. He clarified that district authorities would verify their actual origins upon submission of names and addresses.
Expressing dismay over the scale of commercial exploitation, the Chief Minister took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), posting about the “huge swathes of commercial betel nut plantations grown by encroachers in the forest land of Uriamghat.” He further added, “I was astounded by the magnitude of illegal plantations, clearly supported by a Supari Mafia. The good news? These won’t exist anymore.”
Eviction notices have also been served in Negheribil, another area in Golaghat district, with the Chief Minister expressing optimism for a peaceful vacation. Sarma observed that Uriamghat had become a hub for criminal activities due to illegal encroachments, but voiced confidence that public cooperation would restore peace to the area.
In connection with the encroachments, two individuals believed to be key organisers have been taken into custody. The government, Sarma confirmed, possesses a comprehensive list of all encroached sites across the state, which will be addressed in due course.
The Chief Minister acknowledged a growing number of public appeals on social media urging action against encroachments in their localities, highlighting the proactive role of citizens. He appealed to the public and civil society organisations to remain vigilant and report any new encroachment activities, stating that while the government would handle existing cases, public vigilance was crucial in preventing further illegal occupation.
Upon the conclusion of the Uriamghat eviction, Sarma announced that the total land reclaimed from encroachers across Assam would surpass 1.5 lakh bighas. He also detailed initiatives by the Forest Department and district administration to create local employment opportunities by utilising resources such as forest produce, stone, and sand. The reclaimed land, he added, would be protected and earmarked for reforestation and community development efforts.
Chief Minister Sarma extended gratitude to the Nagaland government for their cooperation in the eviction drive. He was accompanied during his visit by local MLA Biswajit Phukan, Special Chief Secretary (Forests) M.K. Yadav, IGP (Law & Order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh, District Commissioner Pulak Mahanta, and other senior officials.
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