Assam Continues Eviction Drive to Reclaim 1,500 Hectares of Forest Land

Fast Summary:

• Eviction Drive Details: A major eviction drive in AssamS Golaghat district began on July 29, 2025, to clear encroachments from approximately 1,500 hectares of forest land in the Rengma Reserve Forest along the Assam-Nagaland border. Around 2,000 families live in the area.
• Community Impact: Roughly 1,500 families served eviction notices are primarily Muslim adn considered illegal settlers. The remaining families are recognized forest dwellers from Bodo, Nepali, Manipuri communities with Forest Rights Committee certificates.
• Infrastructure Observations: Despite claims of illegal encroachment, the area has government-installed facilities such as houses under PMAY-G scheme, water connections under JJM scheme, schools under SSA program, sub-health centers under NHM scheme and widespread electricity access.
• Ancient Context: Residents argue they were earlier settled by previous governments in the late 1970s for protective reasons against Nagaland invasion. Documents show some government installations date back to that time.
• Execution & Response: Evictions have been carried out peacefully with heavy security arrangements including CRPF personnel. Notices were served offering seven days to vacate homes; about 80% of affected families had vacated prior to demolitions. Concerns over lack of post-demolition resettlement or aid persist among evicted individuals.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The ongoing eviction drive reflects a complex interplay between governance priorities like reclaiming forest land and longstanding human settlement concerns rooted in historical policies. While authorities assert these lands are encroached upon illegally-supported by current legal frameworks-the presence of state-endorsed infrastructure raises questions about administrative oversight or policy ambiguity spanning decades.

This issue is significant for India’s debates around balancing environmental conservation with socio-economic needs and minority rights protections. Further clarity is vital regarding plans for rehabilitating displaced populations who may face severe hardships without alternative settlements or basic humanitarian assistance provided during transitions.

Moreover, heightened sensitivities surrounding displacement due to communal identities require careful management to avoid exacerbating tensions against a backdrop of regional border disputes (e.g., Assam-Nagaland). Transparent dialog paired with equitable relief measures will be key for upholding fairness within affected communities while addressing broader ecological goals.

Read more at The Hindu.