Daijiworld Media Network - Goalpara
Goalpara, Nov 9: The Assam government on Sunday resumed its large-scale eviction campaign, with authorities in Goalpara district launching a mega demolition drive to clear encroachments on around 1,140 bighas (153 hectares) of land within the Dahikata Reserve Forest.
Goalpara Deputy Commissioner Prodip Timung said eviction notices were issued to 580 families occupying the forest land. “The entire stretch is part of the Dahikata Reserve Forest and has been encroached upon. The operation is expected to continue for at least two days,” he said.
According to officials, more than 1,000 forest and police personnel have been deployed for the drive. “In Goalpara district alone, we have recovered over 900 hectares of forest land through evictions this year,” said Sunnydeo Indradeo Choudhury, Conservator of Forests, Central Assam Circle.
This latest action marks the first major eviction in two months, following a pause after the death of popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg on September 19, which had captured statewide attention.
Assam has witnessed multiple eviction operations this year, with the government describing them as necessary to prevent “demographic invasion” by “people of one religion”. However, rights groups have raised concerns, noting that many of those affected belong to the Bengali-origin Muslim community.
Earlier in Goalpara, large-scale eviction drives were conducted in Paikan Reserve Forest on July 12—clearing about 140 hectares—and in Hasila Beel wetland on June 16, where over 600 families were removed.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had announced the renewed eviction drive during a Facebook Live session on Friday, asserting that the state would not halt its campaign despite political and public pressure. “Many thought evictions would stop due to the recent tensions in Assam. But on November 9 and 10, evictions will take place in Goalpara’s Dahikata forest,” the CM said.
The ongoing operation underscores the Sarma government’s continued push to reclaim forest and government land amid growing debate over its social and political implications.