Assam’s Tinsukia district confers Forest Rights to 237 tribal families in Sadiya
Guwahati: The Tinsukia district administration on Sunday officially granted Forest Rights Act (FRA) titles to 237 families from three forest villages at Sadiya in Assam's Ambikapur.
The event, held on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas 2025, aimed to ensure long-pending land and resource rights for genuine forest dwellers, marking a major step toward justice and recognition for tribal communities.
In a landmark move that strengthens grassroots empowerment, the Tinsukia administration handed over land rights to families from Ambikapur Sonowalgaon, Ambikapur Bodogaon, and Kopoupathar Sonali Gaon.
Officials also said the recognition of these rights will help secure the livelihood, dignity, and identity of forest-dependent communities in the Sadiya subdivision.
The administration wrote on social media:
On the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas 2025, the Tinsukia district administration held an event in Ambikapur, Sadiya, and conferred Forest Rights Act, 2006, titles on 237 families from three forest villages, Ambikapur Sonowalgaon, Ambikapur Bodogaon, and Kopoupathar Sonali Gaon, for the first time.
This marks a new beginning in ensuring the due rights of the forest dwellers of Tinsukia district.
In this historic event, Sri Bolin Chetia, Hon'ble MLA Sadiya; Sri Swapneel Paul, District Commissioner, Tinsukia; Pankaj Chamuah, ADC Tinsukia; Syed Wasbir Subhani, CDC Sadiya; Sri Mriganka Borah, DFO Doomdooma, along with other dignitaries, were present.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India
#JanjatiyaGauravDiwas
#DhartiAabaAbhiyan”
Officials further described the event as a turning point in Sadiya’s tribal rights movement. District authorities highlighted that the FRA empowers indigenous families to protect their land from eviction, access forest resources lawfully, and participate in conservation efforts.
One senior official also remarked, “Recognising rightful ownership is not just a legal duty, it restores trust and strengthens our bond with the tribal communities who have protected these forests for generations.”
The ceremony also aligns with the government’s Dharti Aaba Abhiyan, a campaign to honour tribal heritage and guarantee constitutional protections.
Authorities further emphasised that the administration will continue verifying pending claims to ensure that no eligible family is left behind.