Guwahati, 16th February: In a strategic move aimed at reclaiming land in Assam’s riverine sandbar areas, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the launch of ‘Mission Basundhara 4.0’. The initiative seeks to prevent encroachment on char lands, emphasizing the urgency of action to avert irreparable loss.
“Mission Basundhara 4.0 aims to reclaim land in char areas, ensuring the protection of these crucial ecological zones,” stated Chief Minister Sarma. He expressed concern over the unchecked acquisition of vast land areas by encroachers, particularly highlighting the plight of landless individuals, including those listed in the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
During an aerial survey of the region, Sarma observed extensive landholdings by a select few, leaving others without any land ownership. “It is unacceptable that while some individuals possess hundreds of bighas of land, many others, including genuine citizens, are deprived of their rightful share,” remarked Sarma.
The initiative targets char areas in districts like Sonitpur, where the scarcity of government-owned land contrasts sharply with the prevalence of encroachments. To address this disparity, Mission Basundhara 4.0 will implement new regulations governing land allocation.
In instances of extensive landholdings, the government will reclaim excess land for public use, with a focus on preserving the ecological balance of the Brahmaputra basin.
“The mission aims to identify char areas of permanent nature and reclaim land to safeguard the ecological integrity of the Brahmaputra region,” Sarma affirmed. Through measures such as limiting land acquisition and promoting sustainable land management practices, Mission Basundhara 4.0 endeavors to uphold the delicate ecological balance while tackling the pressing issue of landlessness in Assam.