Over 1.19 Lakh Bighas of Land Freed from Encroachment in Assam: CM Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced that over 1.19 lakh bighas of government, forest, and religious institution land have been freed from illegal encroachment since the BJP-led government assumed office in 2021. The reclaimed land spans approximately 160 square kilometers across multiple districts, with major eviction drives carried out in Sonitpur, Lakhimpur, Darrang, Hojai, and Goalpara.

At a press briefing, the Chief Minister revealed that the state government has so far reclaimed:

• 84,743 bighas of forest land

• 3,643 bighas of VGR and PGR (Village Grazing Reserve and Professional Grazing Reserve) land

• 26,713 bighas of government khas land

• 4,449 bighas belonging to satras, namghars, and temples

“These encroachments didn’t happen overnight. Reclaiming the land is a complex, long-term process—one that has required immense administrative effort and political will,” Sarma said, adding that despite the magnitude of the achievement, “we have barely scratched the surface.”

District-wise Eviction Highlights

Some of the largest recoveries of land have occurred in:

🔴 High Recovery (Above 5,000 Bighas)

1. Sonitpur – 39,527.72

2. Darrang – 17,905

3. Lakhimpur – 13,481.54

4. Hojai – 10,749.60

5. Goalpara – 8,280.36

6. Sribhumi – 6,534.48

7. Dhubri – 4,748.25

8. Cachar – 3,291.91

🟠 Medium Recovery (1,000–5,000 Bighas)

9. Barpeta – 2,016

10. Hailakandi – 1,960.78

11. Kamrup – 1,788.03

12. Kokrajhar – 1,734

13. Chirang – 1,573.47

14. Nagaon – 1,338.98

15. Kamrup (Metro) – 1,320.60

16. Nalbari – 863.84

17. Tinsukia – 766.44

🟡 Low Recovery (Below 1,000 Bighas)

18. Bongaigaon – 523.50

19. Morigaon – 315.94

20. Karbi Anglong – 245.24

21. Sivasagar – 222.85

22. Golaghat – 94

23. Bajali – 89.89

24. Charaideo – 58

25. Biswanath – 43

26. West Karbi Anglong – 22.06

27. Dhemaji – 21

28. Dibrugarh – 17.78

29. South Salmara Mankachar – 13.71

30. Jorhat – 0.55

“They Protest Tree Felling in Cities, Not Forest Restoration”

Taking aim at urban environmental activists, Sarma said, “When we cut a few trees in Guwahati, some people protest. But when we evict thousands of bighas of encroached forest land and reforest them, no one says a word. In places like Burha Chapori and Poba, elephants have returned after years. That is real ecological recovery.”

The CM emphasized that the evictions were not carried out to benefit any corporate entity. “Some accuse us of serving capitalists. For us, our capitalists are elephants, rhinos, and tigers. That’s who we’re reclaiming this land for,” he asserted.

Demographic Concerns and “Land Jihad” Allegations

Sarma also expressed concern over what he described as demographic changes being orchestrated through organized land encroachment.

He claimed that families from districts like Barpeta (74 families), Nagaon (65), Goalpara (7), and Mankachar (2) had moved to encroach upon government land in Lakhimpur, despite owning land elsewhere.

“This isn’t just about land. It’s about safeguarding the cultural and ethnic integrity of Assam. If Assamese people do not stand up now, 20 more forest reserves will fall to encroachment in the next two decades,” he warned.

Responding to criticism that the evictions were targeting minorities, Sarma said:

“This is not land jihad. This is a jihad to save Assam. The future of Assamese identity is at stake.”

Long Battle Ahead

According to official estimates, 63 lakh bighas of land remain under illegal occupation in Assam, including 29 lakh bighas of forest land alone. The Chief Minister blamed successive Congress governments for failing to act, and even alleged that some forest officials under previous regimes, such as former DFO Suleman Choudhury in Goalpara, had permitted encroachments.

Sarma acknowledged the challenges involved in carrying out eviction drives. “Evicting even a single area can take up to four years. Often, it happens after protracted legal and social conflicts. Many District Commissioners lack the mindset needed to act decisively,” he said.

The Chief Minister emphasized that his government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy going forward. “No new encroachments will be tolerated. No illegal land occupation will be regularized. We don’t allow our people to rent out their homes or give jobs to illegal occupants. Only then can we succeed.”

“20 Years Needed to Finish the Job”

Concluding his remarks, Sarma said that while over one lakh bighas have been reclaimed, “much more remains to be done.” He projected that it could take 20 years of consistent governance to free all encroached land in the state.

Addressing a Press Conference on a very important issue, one which will shed light on startling facts.

Join live https://t.co/2iiGAz8evw

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 15, 2025

Also Read: Language Cannot Decide Nationality, Says Sushmita Dev Amid Assam Evictions