Hailakandi: In one of the largest eviction operations ever carried out in Barak Valley, the district administration on Monday, launched a massive drive to clear encroachments from the Gharmura Inner Line Reserved Forest in Hailakandi district, targeting the eviction of 522 families. The operation began early in the morning around 7 am in the Damchhera area and is being jointly conducted by the Hailakandi district administration and the Forest Department. Officials said the eviction drive is scheduled to continue till February 4 as part of a sustained effort to reclaim protected forest land and prevent further illegal encroachment.
Heavy machinery and extensive security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the smooth execution of the drive. The Forest Department has deployed 35 JCB excavators, while security has been strengthened with the deployment of over 1,500 personnel from various forces. Nearly 200 Forest Department officials are also present on the ground to supervise the operation and maintain law and order. To streamline the process, the eviction area has been divided into seven sectors. Eviction activities on Monday were carried out in Sectors 5, 6, and 7, while the remaining sectors will be covered in a phased manner over the next two days, said Hailakandi Divisional Forest Officer Akhil Dutta.
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Officials said eviction notices were served to residents nearly two months ago. Following the notices, a large number of families vacated the land voluntarily, allowing the initial phase of the operation to proceed with minimal resistance. The administration reiterated that the drive aims to protect reserved forest land, restore ecological balance, and ensure that forest areas remain free from illegal occupation.
