Archive · 9 Nov 2025
Assam Resumes Eviction Drive in Goalpara Forest
In Assam, the government has started removing people's homes from a forest area called Dahikata Reserve Forest.
They say these people are living there without permission and that the land is needed as a path for elephants.
The government plans to clear about 1,140 bighas of land, which affects 580 families.
This is part of a bigger effort by the government to get back land it says has been illegally taken over.
Some people being asked to leave claim they have lived there for a very long time and were even given services like electricity.
They also say they have documents proving their right to be there.
The government states that these actions are happening because a high court ordered them to and that they are trying to prevent people from moving into the area illegally.
Assam authorities have resumed a large eviction drive in Goalpara district's Dahikata Reserve Forest.
The drive targets approximately 1,140 bighas (153 hectares) of forest land, affecting 580 families.
The government claims the land is encroached upon by illegal settlers and is designated as an elephant corridor.
Residents assert they have lived there for decades and possess government-provided facilities and land documents.
The eviction is being conducted following directives from the Gauhati High Court.
- Who
- Assam district and forest authorities, 580 families
- What
- Resumed a large-scale eviction drive to demolish homes on forest land.
- When
- Sunday morning, November 9th (implied)
- Where
- Dahikata Reserve Forest, Goalpara district, Assam
- Why
- To reclaim forest land allegedly encroached upon by illegal settlers and to protect an elephant corridor.
Government's Stance
Affected Residents' Claims
Nature of Occupancy
Government's Stance
The government asserts that the land is encroached upon by illegal settlers, with the Chief Minister referring to them as 'illegal Miyas' and 'doubtful citizens,' and stating the drive aims to prevent a 'demographic invasion.'
Affected Residents' Claims
Residents claim they have been living on the land for decades and have been provided with government facilities, possessing land documents.
Reason for Eviction
Government's Stance
The drive is to reclaim forest land officially designated as an elephant corridor and is in accordance with Gauhati High Court orders. The government describes it as a way to stem a 'demographic invasion.'
Affected Residents' Claims
Residents question the eviction given their long-term settlement and the facilities previously provided, implying their right to be there.
- Location
- Dahikata Reserve Forest, Goalpara district, Assam
- Start Date
- Sunday morning (November 9th implied)
- Land Area Affected
- Approximately 1,140 bighas (153 hectares)
- Families Affected
- 580
- Duration
- Likely at least two days
- Land Status
- Dahikata Reserve Forest, designated as an elephant corridor
- Legal Basis
- Gauhati High Court orders
Sources
Assam: Two-day drive from Sunday to clear encroachments from forest land
580 more families face eviction as Assam resumes demolition drive
Eviction drive on in Goalpara to clear 1,140 bighas, curb human-elephant conflict
580 More Families Evicted As Assam Resumes Demolition Drive
Assam resumes eviction drive in Goalpara to clear forest land from infiltrators
Over 600 families face eviction as Assam clears 376 acres of forest land in Goalpara
Assam government resumes demolition drive in Goalpara, 580 families face eviction
