Guwahati, July 25: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday visited Uriamghat in Golaghat district to personally assess lands encroached by settlers and reiterated the state government’s commitment to clearing all illegal occupations on public and community land, including forest areas, Satras, Naamghars, and Village and Professional Grazing Reserves (VGR and PGR).
During a press interaction, Sarma stated that thousands of bighas of land in Uriamghat had been unlawfully occupied, with some families claiming up to 300 to 400 bighas for private use and economic activity. “The government cannot remain indifferent to such developments,” he said, adding that the eviction would proceed in a systematic and phased manner.
According to the Chief Minister, nearly 70% of encroachers had already vacated the area voluntarily. Many of those who settled in Uriamghat hail from districts such as Cachar, Sribhumi, Dhubri, Barpeta, Hojai, Nagaon, and Morigaon, with some also originating from West Bengal and Bihar. He said the full list of names and addresses is being compiled and would be verified by the respective district authorities.
Sarma warned that Uriamghat had become a hub for criminal activity due to these settlements, but expressed confidence that peace could be restored through public cooperation and strict enforcement. He also disclosed that two individuals believed to be central to the encroachment operations had already been arrested.
He noted that eviction notices had also been issued in nearby Negheribil, with similar action expected. The Forest Department, along with local administration, would take steps to protect the reclaimed land and initiate reforestation and resource-based livelihood projects, including the extraction of stone, sand, and other forest produce, aimed at generating local employment.
“The objective is not just removal of illegal settlers,” Sarma said, “but to ensure that local communities benefit from the restoration of these lands.”
The Chief Minister also acknowledged that numerous citizens had contacted him through social media, urging action against encroachments in their areas. He appealed to the public and civil organisations to remain vigilant and report any encroachment to the authorities, assuring that the administration would respond swiftly and decisively.
Sarma reiterated that the state government is maintaining a comprehensive list of encroached areas across Assam. Once the Uriamghat operation concludes, he said, the total land reclaimed from illegal occupation in Assam will surpass 1.5 lakh bighas.
The Chief Minister confirmed that all encroachments—whether on religious, grazing, or forest lands—will be addressed uniformly, through a structured and legally guided process. He also appreciated the support extended by the Government of Nagaland in executing the Uriamghat operation, which lies close to the inter-state border.
Sarma was accompanied during his visit by Golaghat MLA Biswajit Phukan, Special Chief Secretary (Forests) M.K. Yadava, Inspector General of Police (Law & Order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh, District Commissioner Pulak Mahanta, and senior officials from the administration and Forest Department.
