"Garukhuti Not A Profit-Oriented Project": CM Sarma Amid Gir Cow Row

Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Gir cattle in the Garukhuti Project in Assam’s Darrang district, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the project site on Monday and inaugurated a newly constructed bridge within the project area.

The bridge, built through the heart of the multipurpose agricultural project, is expected to improve access to the site and also benefit pilgrims visiting the historic Dhalpur Shiva Temple, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office on social media.

Revisiting the Beginning of the Garukhuti Evictions

Reflecting on the early stages of the Garukhuti eviction drive, CM Sarma, during his speech, said, "After I assumed office, while visiting Sipajhar and Mangaldoi, journalists asked me about the Dhalpur Shiva temple. I returned to investigate its history and present status. After discussions with various stakeholders, I realised the temple was under threat."

The Chief Minister recalled his first visit to Gorukhuti on June 7, 2021, less than a month after assuming office on May 10 that year. “We decided in the Cabinet to free the land from encroachment,” he said. “Padma Hazarika showed us a video of the extent and locations of encroachment. Immediately after watching it, we resolved to carry out an eviction and turn the area into an agricultural farm.”

Garukhuti's Story Dates Back to 1983

CM Sarma stated, “The story of Garukhuti did not begin in 2021. It began on February 14, 1983, when brave youths of Sipajhar and Mangaldai tried to protect Garukhuti. In that valiant effort, 23 young men were martyred - allegedly at the hands of suspected Bangladeshis.”

“The success of the Garukhuti eviction gave us the courage to take more bold steps,” Sarma said. “After Gorukhuti, we succeeded in evictions in Borchala, Lumding, Burhapahar, Poba, Batadrava, Chapar, and Paikan. Altogether, 1.29 lakh bighas of land have been freed from illegal encroachment.”

He claimed that these lands have been repurposed for national causes. “In Orang, we have created habitats for rhinos and tigers. In Borchala, we developed a solar power project. Elephants have returned to Lumding, reducing human-elephant conflict. In Burhapahar, evictions have opened up new habitats for wildlife. Paikan, once overrun, is turning green again with sal and teak plantations,” he noted.

He declared that the Garukhuti project has become a symbol of youth self-reliance and reiterated his resolve: “We have taken a pledge to free every inch of Assamese land from suspected Bangladeshis.”

29 Lakh Bighas Still Under Encroachment

The Chief Minister further said, “There are still 29 lakh bighas of land in Assam under illegal occupation by suspected Bangladeshis. What we have reclaimed so far is only a small portion. The road ahead is long.”

In a charged political tone, he added, “If anyone thinks that a couple of eviction reports or news articles will make me surrender, they are mistaken. I will fight as long as there’s blood in my body. Even if the Himalayas stand in our path, we will pierce through them. Garukhuti will be the symbol of Assamese self-reliance.”

Not a Profit-Loss Project

“Garukhuti is not a profit-oriented project,” Sarma declared. “We reclaimed 8,000 bighas from illegal encroachers. That alone is worth more than any financial gain. We’re not businessmen calculating profit and loss. We’re proving that Assamese youth can take up agriculture. We carry the blood of Lachit and Chilarai in our veins.”

On the current controversy over Gir cattle and media reporting around Garukhuti, CM Sarma warned, “If anyone thinks writing a couple of news reports will make me surrender, they are wrong. I’m leaving aside ‘Pratidin Group’, even if the Himalayas come in front of me, I will break through them. People have now started retreating on their own because they have realised that the Assamese nation is on the rise.”

July 21 Will Be Remembered as a Day of Self-Reliance

In conclusion, Sarma declared, “July 21 will be remembered as the day of self-reliance. Garukhuti is not built on anyone’s mercy but on the hard work, sweat, and strength of Assamese youth. If there is despair among our youth, the light of Garukhuti will be their guiding sun.”

He ended with a firm message: “No one can stop us. Where eviction is needed, eviction will happen. No one will be spared based on profit and loss calculations.”

Garukhuti project chairman and Sootea MLA Padma Hazarika, Sipajhar MLA Dr. Paramananda Rajbongshi, Mangaldoi MLA Basanta Das, Assam Fisheries Development Corporation Chairman Gurujyoti Das, Darrang Deputy Commissioner, senior officials, and several BJP leaders were among others present at the inauguration.

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