Guwahati: Authorities launched a large-scale eviction operation on Sunday targeting illegal settlements in the reserved forests of Patharkandi constituency in Assam’s Sribhumi district, with the goal of reclaiming nearly 12,000 hectares of encroached forest land.
The campaign is being carried out in the Sribhumi Reserved Forest after more than 2,000 families received eviction notices. Senior district and forest officials are supervising the operation on-site, with strong support from police and paramilitary forces to maintain security and law and order.
Many residents have already moved out of their homes, but authorities are now focusing on removing the remaining settlements.
The operation includes dismantling houses, makeshift structures, and overgrown vegetation to return the land to its natural forest state.
The administration has brought in more than 50 heavy machines, such as excavators and JCBs, and even employed elephants to help officials navigate the rough terrain. Additional personnel from the state’s police and forest departments have been deployed to oversee the operation and maintain order.
The eviction covers multiple reserved forest areas in Patharkandi, including Madhurban, Narayanpur, Chagalmowa, Madhabpur, Badshahi, and Dohalia. Officials say the campaign is part of ongoing efforts to restore forest lands and prevent future encroachments.