Assam's Land Reclamation: A Battle Against Encroachment
Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reveals that 10 lakh acres of state land remain under illegal encroachment. Despite international pressure following a controversial 2021 eviction, the government continues its anti-encroachment drives. The initiatives, targeting lands occupied by suspected illegal Bangladeshis, have already reclaimed significant acreage for forestation.
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Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has disclosed that approximately 10 lakh acres of the state's land remain occupied by illegal encroachers, often referred to as 'doubtful citizens' from Bangladesh. Speaking at an event marking the fourth anniversary of the Gorukhuti Multipurpose Agriculture Project, Sarma highlighted ongoing anti-encroachment efforts.
The Gorukhuti project emerged from a significant eviction operation in 2021, aimed at clearing land in Darrang district. Despite international pressures to halt such initiatives, the project successfully reclaimed 77,420 bighas of land, albeit amidst controversy and violence.
Undeterred, the government has expanded these drives statewide, reclaiming about 1.29 lakh bighas since 2021. Sarma emphasized the administration's commitment to recovering lands for forestation, vowing to continue the clearance of encroached regions inhabited by 'suspected Bangladeshis.'
(With inputs from agencies.)
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