How Much Land Has the Assam Government Reclaimed in Sribhumi?
Synopsis
The Assam government has made significant strides in its anti-encroachment campaign, reclaiming 660 hectares in Sribhumi Reserved Forest while another 220 hectares remain. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasizes the importance of restoring illegally occupied land for the environment and public resources.
Key Takeaways
The Assam government reclaimed 660 hectares of land in Sribhumi Reserved Forest .
Another 220 hectares remain to be cleared.
Over 2,000 families received eviction notices.
This effort is part of a larger campaign against illegal encroachments.
The operation aims to restore illegally occupied forest lands.
Guwahati, Feb 9 (NationPress) The Assam government has successfully reclaimed 660 hectares of encroached territory in the Sribhumi Reserved Forest over the last two days, with an additional 220 hectares still awaiting clearance, as reported by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday. This initiative is part of the state's vigorous anti-encroachment efforts.
Sarma shared on X that the "relentless pursuit continues", stressing that this operation is crucial for reclaiming forest lands and government properties that have been unlawfully occupied.
He reaffirmed the government's dedication to liberating every inch of encroached land, which has been a top priority since his administration took office. The current eviction operation in the Patharkandi sector of Sribhumi district is among the largest seen in recent months.
Officials have issued eviction notices to over 2,000 families and have deployed heavy machinery alongside security personnel to dismantle both permanent and temporary structures within the reserved forest.
Much of the targeted land has already been vacated, with the remaining settlements being cleared gradually. This initiative is part of a larger campaign launched by the Assam government across various districts to eradicate illegal encroachments from forest and government lands.
Since mid-2025, eviction operations have been conducted in regions such as Golaghat’s Uriamghat, Dhubri, Hailakandi, and beyond, reclaiming thousands of hectares and resulting in the displacement of hundreds of settlers.
While the government claims that these actions are essential for safeguarding public land and curbing unauthorized occupation, numerous eviction drives have drawn backlash and criticism from civil society organizations, who express concerns regarding rehabilitation and humanitarian impacts on affected families.
The ongoing operation in Sribhumi is expected to proceed in phases until the remaining 220 hectares are cleared, as officials highlighted the administration's commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect Assam's natural resources.
Point of View
I observe that the Assam government's aggressive pursuit of reclaiming encroached land showcases its commitment to environmental preservation and governance. However, the social ramifications for displaced families cannot be overlooked, prompting a need for balanced dialogue and effective rehabilitation strategies.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total area reclaimed by the Assam government?
The Assam government has reclaimed a total of 660 hectares of encroached land in the Sribhumi Reserved Forest.
How many hectares are still pending clearance?
An additional 220 hectares are still pending clearance.
What is the government's objective with this operation?
The government's objective is to restore forest lands and government properties that have been illegally occupied.
How many families have been affected by the eviction notices?
Eviction notices have been issued to over 2,000 families.
What are the broader implications of the eviction drives?
While the government aims to protect public land, the eviction drives have sparked controversy regarding the rehabilitation and humanitarian impacts on affected families.
