Guwahati, July 29: A large-scale eviction drive began on Tuesday at Bidyapur Market in Uriamghat, located within the Rengma Reserve Forest of Golaghat district. The operation, led by the Assam Forest Department with support from the Golaghat district administration and police, aims to clear encroachments from over 11,000 bighas of protected forest land.
The eviction is set to continue for five days and covers 12 villages: Sonari Beel, No. 1 Pithaghat, No. 2 Dayalpur, No. 3 Dayalpur, Dalan Pathar, Kherbari, Bidyapur Bazar, Bidyapur, No. 2 Madhupur, Anandapur, Rajapukhuri and Gelajan. Authorities plan to remove both residential and commercial establishments belonging to approximately 2,648 families.
According to officials, a significant number of settlers are alleged to be doubtful citizens who have been occupying forest land and carrying out paddy farming, betel nut plantations, fisheries, and vegetable cultivation. These activities, the department said, have caused severe damage to forest resources and posed a threat to local wildlife.
A survey conducted earlier this year identified the extent of encroachment. Notices were issued to all 2,648 families, giving them a seven-day deadline to vacate the area. While many families have left voluntarily, some continue to stay, and authorities anticipate potential resistance as the operation progresses.
On the first day, the administration demolished around 120 illegal commercial structures that spanned approximately 4.2 hectares. The operation involved more than 100 bulldozers, 500 forest personnel, over 1,500 police and CRPF personnel, 500 labourers, and senior administrative officials.
The drive is being conducted under the close supervision of Special Chief Secretary M.K. Yadava, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sandeep Kumar, Golaghat Deputy Commissioner Pulak Mahanta, the district’s Senior Superintendent of Police, and other senior officers, including Additional District Commissioners and Executive Magistrates.
Strict security measures have been put in place to ensure the eviction proceeds smoothly. Despite concerns over a threat from the NSCN (Nikki) faction to obstruct the operation, the first day concluded without any incident.
Officials have stated that the eviction is a part of the Assam government’s broader initiative to reclaim forest land from encroachers and reinforce environmental protection measures.
