Guwahati, Feb 11: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on February 11 said the state government conducted an eviction drive in Karimganj district on February 10 as part of its ongoing efforts to tackle encroachment on government and forest lands.
Speaking to reporters, Sarma highlighted that roughly 26–27 lakh bighas of land across Assam are currently under encroachment. He clarified, however, that the total area targeted for eviction will decrease significantly once forest and land rights are regularised for eligible indigenous communities. “When indigenous people are granted forest pattas, their land will be regularised. This will bring down the eviction exercise to around 20 lakh bighas, as tribal people will get pattas,” the Chief Minister explained.
Sarma emphasised that the government’s approach differentiates between alleged encroachers and tribal or indigenous communities eligible for land titles, particularly in forest areas, ensuring that rightful claims are protected.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on February 10 authorised the Assam government to set up a committee to identify unauthorised occupants in the Doyang Reserved Forest and adjoining villages in Golaghat district, while directing strict adherence to due process before any eviction. The apex court stressed that eviction can only proceed if encroachment is proven and that occupants must be issued notices, given the opportunity to explain their occupation, and, in forest areas, served with a 15-day period to vacate.
The court also clarified that areas falling within revenue limits but outside notified forest zones will be addressed by the revenue department, while recognised forest rights must be respected under applicable law.
The eviction drives form part of Assam’s broader policy to reclaim illegally occupied land, alongside steps to grant pattas to eligible tribal and indigenous families, reflecting a dual focus on enforcement and protection of legitimate land rights.
