GG News Bureau
Goalpara, Assam, 12th July: A large-scale eviction drive has been launched in Goalpara district of Assam to reclaim over 140 hectares of encroached forest land in the Paikan Reserve Forest, aimed at mitigating rising human-elephant conflicts and restoring the region’s fragile ecological balance.
According to officials, the operation is being conducted in compliance with a High Court order, which had set July 10 as the final deadline for illegal occupants to vacate voluntarily. The eviction is focused on two key areas under the Krishnai forest range — Bidyapara and Betbari — where hundreds of families had reportedly settled over the years.
“We are clearing 149 hectares. About 2,070 concrete structures will be demolished. Notices were issued twice, first in December,” said Tejash Mariswami, District Forest Officer (DFO), Goalpara. “Goalpara has the highest number of human-elephant conflicts in the country. The High Court has directed removal of all forest encroachments,” he added.
Massive Security Deployment, Bulldozers at Work
To ensure a smooth operation, the Assam Forest Department and Police have jointly deployed heavy machinery including JCBs and excavators, alongside intensive security personnel. Public announcements were made in the run-up, asking illegal settlers to vacate peacefully.
The administration has stressed that this eviction drive is part of a long-term conservation strategy to safeguard wildlife corridors and re-establish the natural habitat disrupted by unchecked human settlement.
The drive is expected to be completed by July 12, with over 1,040 bighas of forest land likely to be reclaimed.
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