In a decisive move to reclaim encroached forest land, the Assam government has evicted 146 families from 132 acres in Golaghat district. The large-scale eviction drive, carried out on Friday, was part of the state’s ongoing efforts to restore ecologically sensitive zones and curb illegal settlements within forest reserves.
According to officials, the operation took place in the Bokakhat subdivision, which falls near the fringes of the Kaziranga National Park and other protected forest areas. Authorities stated that the encroachment had been spreading steadily over the years, threatening wildlife habitats and degrading forest cover. The reclaimed land will now be brought under afforestation and conservation projects.
The eviction drive was carried out under heavy security, with police, forest officials, and district administration personnel present to ensure the process remained peaceful. Bulldozers were deployed to dismantle makeshift houses, while residents were asked to vacate the land. While officials claim the families were given prior notice and adequate time to relocate, several affected residents expressed distress, alleging that they had nowhere else to go.
Golaghat Deputy Commissioner asserted that the land in question belongs to the forest department and that the encroachments had been identified through satellite mapping and field surveys. “We are committed to protecting our forest land from further degradation. Rehabilitation options are being explored for eligible families,” the official added.
Environmentalists have welcomed the move, citing the urgent need to protect Assam’s biodiversity hotspots from human encroachment. However, human rights activists have called for more humane resettlement measures, stressing that eviction drives should be accompanied by proper rehabilitation to avoid humanitarian crises.
The Golaghat eviction marks one of the largest such operations in recent years in Assam, underlining the government’s strict stance on forest conservation. With pressure mounting to balance ecological preservation with the welfare of displaced families, the incident has sparked debate over how best to protect nature without neglecting human livelihoods.
