Assam: 26 lakh bighas of land under encroachment, says CM

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said the state government carried out an eviction drive in Karimganj district on February 10 as part of ongoing efforts to remove encroachments on government and forest land.

Speaking to reporters, Sarma stated that around 26–27 lakh bighas of land across the state are currently under encroachment. He clarified, however, that the total area targeted for eviction would decrease significantly once land rights are regularised in favour of eligible indigenous and tribal communities.

“If you see, around 26–27 lakh bighas of land are under encroachment. But when forest pattas are granted to indigenous people, their land will be regularised. That will bring down the eviction exercise to around 20 lakh bighas,” the Chief Minister said, emphasising that the government distinguishes between alleged encroachers and indigenous communities entitled to land under applicable provisions.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on February 10 allowed the Assam government to constitute a committee to identify unauthorised occupants in the Doyang Reserve Forest and adjacent villages in Golaghat district. The apex court laid down safeguards to ensure due process before any eviction is carried out.

The bench observed that forests are among the country’s most critical natural resources, and encroachment poses a serious challenge to environmental governance. The committee will issue notices to alleged unauthorised occupants and provide them an opportunity to explain their occupation before action is taken.

The court clarified that eviction proceedings can be initiated only if encroachment is established. If the land falls within revenue limits but outside the notified forest area, the revenue department will decide the course of action. In cases of unauthorised occupation within a reserve forest, a speaking order must be issued, giving occupants 15 days to vacate the land.

The eviction drives form part of the state government’s broader policy to reclaim illegally occupied land while simultaneously granting forest pattas to eligible tribal and indigenous families.