Chapar Braces for One of Assam’s Biggest Eviction Drive on July 8

Even as the somber drumbeats of Muharram fill the air over Bilasipara, another noise is scheduled to shake the ground in Chapar — the thundering onrush of bulldozers.

On July 8, the Dhubri district administration will start what is termed as Assam's biggest-ever eviction drive in Santoshpur, Charuabakhra, and Chirakuta villages under the Chapar revenue circle. More than 3,500 bighas of land that are presently occupied by thousands of families are to be evicted to accommodate a planned thermal power project under the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL).

Final eviction notices have already been issued to the residents, many of whom have lived on this land for generations. With July 6 set as the final deadline, bulldozers (JCBs) are now ready and a large contingent of police and paramilitary forces has been deployed. Mass eviction is imminent.

“We’re Born Here. Now We’re Being Pushed Into the River.”

The impending eviction has plunged thousands of landless and marginalized families into panic. In the emotionally charged environment, many residents were found demolishing their own houses, loading belongings on carts and relocating to uncertain destinations in tarpaulin shelters. For some, the shock proved too much — eyewitnesses said elderly residents fainted from emotional shock.

One young evacuee, shaken visibly, stated: "The government gave us notice to vacate by July 6. We live on over 3500 bighas where they have planned the thermal power project. People are taking out. We ask the CM to re-house us — where will we go? I'm a student, I don't even have money to give for college admission now."

Another villager joined in with subdued anger: "They bestowed this land on the Adani Group. Yesterday, a police official came and threatened us. We were born here. This land is our only thing."

Chief Minister's Promise, But Gaps Persist

The state is fully behind the project. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma personally visited the site on two occasions, inspecting progress and fast-tracking acquisition. In another visit, Director of the Adani Group Jeet Adani scouted the land further creating corporate involvement rumors in the APDCL-run power project.

On the Chief Minister's instructions, the government has started distributing Rs 50,000 as a one-time compensation to the affected families. Cheques were handed out in Chirakuta and further cheques are set to follow.

But for the vast majority, this amount is a drop in the ocean of loss. With no discernible or workable plan for rehabilitation and resettlement, the so-called "aid" provides little comfort.

One resident, holding a cheque, stated: "We thank the CM sir for this Rs 5,000 cheque. But the land we've been given near Boyjer Alga is alongside the Brahmaputra. We went to see it today. There's no drinking water, no road, no school. How can we bring up our children there? We appeal to the government to provide us land in Bilasipara or Chapar itself."

Chapar Circle Officer confirmed officially: "Under Chapar Revenue Circle, Santoshpur, Charuabakhra, and Chirakuta have approximately 3,500 bighas now transferred to APDCL for a power project. The residents there have been given adequate notice. July 6 was the deadline. We are offering land in Boyjer Alga and Rs 50,000 per family as one-time assistance. Cheques were already distributed in Chirakuta. So far, we've surveyed about 700 families. One cheque for each family member will be offered.". The eviction will go ahead following directives from the District Commissioner.

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