Dhubri: Eviction drives linked to Assam’s proposed thermal power project resumed on Tuesday in several villages of Bilasipara subdivision in Dhubri district amid tight security arrangements. Officials said the latest phase of eviction was carried out in Charuabakhra, Santoshpur and Chirakuta on land that has already been transferred to the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL).
Sources said around 3,500 bighas of land have been cleared in earlier phases for the same project. The district administration maintained that the eviction was being conducted as per administrative orders on land legally handed over to APDCL. Heavy deployment of security personnel was seen at eviction sites to prevent any law and order issues.
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Residents facing eviction, however, strongly disputed the administration’s claims, asserting that they are lawful pattadars and not illegal encroachers. Several families alleged that due process was not followed and that the eviction was initiated without adequate notice or consultation. While some acknowledged that alternative land has been allotted, they said it was done only recently, leaving insufficient time to relocate homes, belongings and livestock.
“We were not given enough time to shift. Losing a house is devastating,” said one affected resident, adding that appeals to local officials failed to yield relief. Many residents urged the public not to label them as encroachers, claiming they possess valid land documents and have lived in the area for generations. They stressed that they are not opposed to development but demanded proper rehabilitation and reasonable relocation time.
The eviction drive is linked to the state government’s plan to establish a 3,400 MW thermal power plant, seen as vital to Assam’s future energy needs. The project was earlier proposed in Kokrajhar but later shifted to Bilasipara following opposition over land issues.
