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Key Points

The Rajasthan forest department has deployed heavy security in Ajmer's Taragarh ahead of a demolition drive targeting 200 illegal shops built on forest land. Similar anti-encroachment efforts are underway in Assam, where officials claim illegal settlers are altering the region's demographics. Nagaland remains on high alert due to fears of displaced people crossing borders from Assam. Authorities emphasize the need to protect forest lands and indigenous populations from illegal occupation.

Key Points: Rajasthan Forest Dept Deploys Heavy Security for Ajmer Demolition Drive

  • Heavy security deployed ahead of Taragarh demolition drive
  • 200 illegal shops built on forest land targeted
  • Assam also conducting anti-encroachment drives in forest areas
  • Nagaland on alert over potential Assam eviction fallout
2 min read

Rajasthan: Heavy security in Ajmer's Taragarh as Forest dept prepares for demolition drive

Ajmer administration tightens security as 200 illegal shops face demolition in Taragarh forest encroachment crackdown.

"The forest department is conducting this demolition drive to remove encroachment. – Ajmer SP Vandita Rana"

Ajmer, August 2

Heavy security was deployed at Taragarh in Rajasthan's Ajmer on Saturday as the administration is set to carry out a demolition drive on structures built on the land under the jurisdiction of the forest department.

The officials said several shops in Taragarh were built in the forest. The demolition drive will target those shops.

"The forest department is conducting this demolition drive to remove encroachment. There are around 200 cabin-sized shops in Taragarh, which were built on the forest department land. Heavy security has been deployed," Ajmer SP Vandita Rana told ANI.

In recent days, Assam has also seen major anti-encroachment drives aimed at clearing forest lands from illegal occupation.

On Friday, Assam Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah promised appropriate action against the non-indigenous population and immigrants residing in the forest lands in Guwahati.

He claimed that the immigrant and non-indigenous population was trying to "end Assamese culture" and change the region's demographic composition.

"A significant number of non-indigenous individuals and immigrants, or those who will end our culture, are residing on forest land in Guwahati, altering the region's demographic composition. We will take appropriate action against them. This needs to be done. Otherwise, the indigenous people of Assam will not remain due to changed demography," Baruah told ANI.

Earlier, the Assam Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) issued a statement, flagging the issue of the alleged population explosion of "illegal Bangladeshi-origin minorities".

Amid Assam's ongoing eviction drive against illegal settlers in its reserve forests, Nagaland has been placed on high alert due to fears of a possible influx across the state's borders. Director General of Police (DGP) Nagaland, Rupin Sharma, IPS, addressed the situation on Tuesday, detailing the state's approach and urging public cooperation with law enforcement.

Speaking to ANI, Sharma said, "The current issue, which has been flagged by various people and is also known to the state government, is primarily due to the eviction drives carried out by the Assam government and various reserve forests in Assam." He clarified that those being referred to as "illegal immigrants" are, in fact, illegal settlers who had encroached upon reserve forest areas in Assam."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I support removing illegal structures, the government should also think about rehabilitation for small shop owners. Many might be poor people just trying to earn a living. There should be a balance between ecology and livelihood.
A
Arjun K
The Assam minister's statement about "ending Assamese culture" is concerning. Protecting forests is important but we must be careful not to mix environmental issues with divisive politics. India's diversity is our strength!
S
Sarah B
As someone who visited Taragarh last year, I noticed how commercialized the area had become. The historic charm was being lost to these illegal shops. Good move by Rajasthan government! Hope they maintain the area properly afterwards.
V
Vikram M
Why does it always take so long for authorities to act? These shops didn't appear overnight. The forest department should have regular monitoring to prevent encroachment in the first place. Prevention is better than demolition drives!
K
Kavya N
The situation in Assam seems more complex than just forest conservation. The government must ensure that genuine Indian citizens aren't harassed in the name of anti-encroachment drives. Proper documentation checks are crucial!

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