Nearly 600 families ordered to vacate as govt intensifies ‘anti-encroachment’ drive in Assam

Assam on November 9 resumed its sweeping eviction campaign, with district and forest authorities in western Assam’s Goalpara launching a large-scale demolition drive across approximately 1,140 bighas (153 hectares) of land in the Dahikata Reserve Forest.

The operation, which began early morning, targets 580 families who authorities say have encroached on protected forest land. Goalpara Deputy Commissioner Prodip Timung said the drive would take at least two days to complete. “The entire stretch of land is under the Dahikata Reserve Forest and has been encroached by these people. Eviction notices have been issued to all,” he said.

Assam has mounted one of its most aggressive eviction efforts in recent years, with the state government framing the campaign as an attempt to counter what it calls a “demographic invasion” by “people of one religion.” Many evicted families have been Bengali-origin Muslims, fueling criticism that the drives are politically motivated and discriminatory.

The push peaked in July and August, with multiple districts witnessing back-to-back demolitions. The campaign slowed sharply after the death of Assamese icon Zubeen Garg on September 19 triggered statewide outrage, diverting public attention and pressuring the government.

The recent demolition marks the most significant action since then.

Goalpara district has seen repeated eviction operations this year. On July 12, authorities cleared 140 hectares of forest land in the Paikan Reserve Forest. Earlier, on June 16, a drive at Hasila Beel removed more than 600 families from a wetland area.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma publicly signaled the resumption of the campaign two days ago during a Facebook Live address. Alluding to the political turmoil surrounding Garg’s death and pushback against the government, he said, “Some people thought the pressure would stop the evictions. I want to inform you that I cannot make you happy. On November 9 and 10, evictions will begin in Goalpara’s Dahikata forest.”

According to Sunnydeo Indradeo Choudhury, Conservator of Forests for the Central Assam Circle, more than 1,000 forest and police personnel have been deployed for the operation. “In Goalpara district alone, we have recovered over 900 hectares of forest land through evictions this year,” he said.

The fresh demolitions underscore the state’s determination to continue its high-voltage eviction policy despite mounting concerns over its humanitarian and political implications.