Guwahati: The Assam Forest Department has stepped up its drive against alleged illegal encroachments in Golaghat district, issuing fresh eviction notices to 59 families at No. 2 Negheribil in Merapani, days after securing relief from the Supreme Court of India. The notices were served on February 21 by the Golaghat Forest Division under the authority of the Divisional Forest Officer, directing the families to vacate the land within seven days. The operation was carried out jointly by the Forest Department, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and district police to ensure smooth execution of the process.
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The action follows earlier eviction drives at Uriamghat in Sarupathar and at No. 2 Negheribil under Merapani, targeting what officials described as encroachments on notified forest land. The dispute dates back to August 8, 2025, when initial eviction notices were issued to 205 families residing in the area. Subsequently, 59 families from Negheribil and 11 from Uriamghat approached the Gauhati High Court seeking a stay on the eviction proceedings. The matter later reached the Supreme Court, which on February 10 ruled in favour of the Forest Department, clearing the legal hurdle that had stalled the eviction process.
Officials stated that while some residents accepted the fresh notices, others declined to receive them. In such cases, copies were affixed to their dwellings in accordance with due procedure. Sources indicated that eviction operations may begin if no fresh appeal is filed within the stipulated period.
