Guwahati: The Assam government, under the steadfast leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has aggressively pursued its agenda of reclaiming government and forest lands from illegal occupation, resulting in the eviction of over 12,000 hectares across the state between 2021-22 and July 12, 2025. This extensive drive marks one of the most significant land reclamation efforts in Assam’s recent history, underscoring the government’s unwavering focus on this critical issue.
Official data reveals a consistent push, with the highest eviction figures recorded in the financial year 2022–23, where a substantial 4,397.50 hectares were cleared. The initial phase of this intensified drive in 2021–22 saw 2,604.12 hectares brought back under government control. The momentum continued into 2023–24, with 3,401.92 hectares evicted, followed by 961.55 hectares in 2024–25. As of July 12, 2025, the ongoing financial year has already witnessed the clearing of 638.42 hectares, bringing the cumulative total of evicted land to 12,003.515 hectares.
The eviction campaign has been a cornerstone of CM Sarma’s administrative approach, with the state government consistently defending it as a vital measure to protect public lands, safeguard invaluable forest reserves, and uphold law and order across Assam. However, these drives have not been without their share of controversy, drawing sharp criticism from various civil society organisations and opposition political parties. Concerns have been raised regarding the humanitarian implications of such large-scale displacements and the alleged lack of adequate rehabilitation plans for those affected. Despite these objections, the Sarma-led government has firmly maintained that all eviction operations are conducted strictly in accordance with legal procedures, asserting their necessity for enforcing the rule of law in the state.
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