Goalpara (Assam): The Assam government launched a significant eviction drive on Monday in Goalpara district, targeting encroached land occupied by 667 families, mostly from the migrant Bengali-speaking community.
The operation commenced at 7 a.m. in Hasilabeel village under the Balijana revenue circle, with extensive security measures in place, officials said.
“There has been no resistance from the residents, and the process has remained peaceful so far,” stated Goalpara Deputy Commissioner Khanindra Chaudhary.
The drive targeted approximately 45% of the 1,555 bighas of encroached land, with the remaining portion being a water body.
According to officials, the operation included plans to demolish five lower primary schools within the village.
Deputy Commissioner Chaudhary noted that eviction notices had been issued in 2023 and 2024, but the residents had failed to vacate.
Fresh notices were served on Friday, instructing the families to vacate by Monday morning.
Placards and posters with the same directive were also displayed throughout the area.
The operation saw the deployment of 20 bulldozers and excavators.
Senior officials, including Chaudhary and Senior Superintendent of Police Navneet Mahanta, oversaw the proceedings, while IGP Akhilesh Kumar Singh later reviewed the situation on the ground.
Many residents reportedly vacated their homes and left with their belongings, while others sought assistance from the district administration for rehabilitation.
“I was born here, as were my father and grandfather, who settled here during the construction of the Jogighopa bridge. We are cooperating with the authorities but have appealed for alternative accommodation,” said a local resident.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing eviction drives to reclaim encroached land.
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Over the past four years, multiple operations have been conducted across Assam, ensuring that reclaimed lands are not reoccupied.
“We have conducted eviction drives in every district, and one of our major successes is the deterrent effect—they now fear settling on encroached lands,” Sarma stated.
The ongoing eviction efforts are part of a larger government initiative aimed at reclaiming public and government-owned lands while maintaining law and order across the state.
