Key Points

Assam authorities have begun a major eviction drive in Goalpara to reclaim 1,500 bighas of government land. The operation targets 667 illegal households, including unauthorized schools and water projects. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the state's commitment to clearing encroachments. Heavy police presence ensures the operation proceeds without disruptions.

Key Points: Assam Evicts 667 Households to Free 1,500 Bighas in Goalpara

  • 667 illegal households face demolition in Goalpara
  • Encroached land includes schools and JJM project
  • Heavy police deployment ensures smooth eviction
  • CM Sarma vows continued anti-encroachment drive
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Eviction drive in Assam's Goalpara: 1,500 bighas of govt land to be freed of encroachments

Assam launches eviction drive in Goalpara to reclaim 1,500 bighas of govt land, targeting illegal structures and schools amid heavy security.

"In the past four years, we have conducted a comprehensive campaign to reclaim government land, and this effort will continue – Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Guwahati, June 16

A large-scale eviction drive was launched in Assam’s Goalpara district on Monday to reclaim nearly 1,500 bighas of government land allegedly encroached upon in the Hasila Beel area of the district.

The operation, led by the civil administration with full police support, targets the removal of 667 illegally-constructed households and various unauthorised structures.

Officials said the encroached land includes five schools and a Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) project, all operating without legal sanction.

In the lead-up to the eviction, the administration initiated an extensive notification campaign. Notices were formally served to illegal settlers, and public appeals to vacate the area were made through banners and loudspeaker announcements, urging residents to leave by June 15.

Several structures — including homes, shops, boundary walls, buildings, and even private pipelines and borewells are now slated for demolition as part of the ongoing operation.

To ensure a smooth execution, Goalpara Police have deployed heavy security in the area to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents.

According to officials, the drive is part of a wider initiative to reclaim encroached public land and repurpose it for public infrastructure and sustainable development projects.

Recently, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reaffirmed his government’s commitment to tackling the widespread issue of land encroachment, calling the ongoing effort “monumental in scope.”

Sarma also raised concerns about a "politically-motivated demographic transformation" that he believes threatens the state’s social equilibrium.

The Chief Minister provided an update on the substantial actions taken in the last four years to reclaim government land, stating that a large-scale campaign against encroachment has been underway, with considerable success.

"In the past four years, we have conducted a comprehensive campaign to reclaim government land, and this effort will continue," he said.

According to the Chief Minister, eviction operations have been carried out across all districts, with most reclaimed areas remaining free of new settlements.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Finally some action against illegal encroachments! This has been a major issue in Assam for decades. Government land should be used for public welfare, not private occupation. Hope they rehabilitate the genuine poor families though. 🙏
P
Priya M.
While I support removing encroachments, I worry about where these 667 families will go. The administration must have a proper rehabilitation plan. Monsoon is coming - children and elderly will suffer the most. Government should think with both head and heart.
A
Arjun S.
Good move by Assam govt! Encroachment has become a business in border areas. Some people even sell govt land illegally. CM Sarma is right - this affects our demography and security. But why only now? Previous governments ignored this for votes.
S
Sunita B.
The mention of 5 illegal schools is shocking! What were children learning there? This shows how deep the encroachment problem goes. Government should build proper schools in the reclaimed land to serve the real locals.
M
Manish D.
As someone from Goalpara, I've seen how these encroachments affect flood management. Hasila Beel is ecologically sensitive. Hope the reclaimed land is used for water conservation projects. Jal Jeevan Mission should get priority.
N
Neha P.
The timing seems political. Why give just few days notice before monsoon? Could have waited till winter. Also, why no talk of compensation? Even if illegal, people invested in homes. Government should be more humane in execution. #ThinkOfThePoor

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