Nalbari: The Assam government on Monday launched an eviction drive to clear 82 bighas of encroached Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) land in Bakrikuchi village, under the Borkhetry revenue circle in Nalbari district.
The operation, carried out early in the morning amid tight security, proceeded without any violence, according to District Commissioner Nibedan Das Patowary.
“The majority of residents cooperated, with over 70% voluntarily vacating the area and removing their belongings,” he stated.
The eviction followed a Gauhati High Court directive mandating the clearance of all VGR land, designated for cattle grazing, across the state.
While encroachments spanned 452 bighas, only 82 bighas were occupied with residential structures.
The remaining land had been utilized for agriculture and fisheries by approximately 300 families.
Twelve bulldozers were deployed to demolish unauthorized structures, including houses, schools, mosques, and Anganwadi centres.
IGP (Law and Order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh, who supervised the operation, confirmed the peaceful execution, with 500 security personnel on-site and additional forces on standby.
Displaced families have temporarily set up camps along the main road leading to the village and are demanding adequate rehabilitation measures.
Officials are preparing a detailed report to guide further actions.
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This was the second major eviction drive in June, following a similar operation in Hasilabeel village, Goalpara district, on June 15-16, where 667 families were evicted.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasised the government’s commitment to reclaiming public land.
“In the past four years, we’ve conducted eviction drives in every district, ensuring the cleared land is not reoccupied. Our efforts have created a deterrent, making people think twice before encroaching,” Sarma said.
