495 Acres of Encroached Wetland Cleared in Goalpara, Says Assam CM

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday announced the successful eviction of nearly 495 acres of encroached land from Hasila Beel in Goalpara district. The area, a government-notified wetland, had been under illegal occupation for years.

Sharing the update on X, the Chief Minister said the eviction drive, carried out on Wednesday, reflects the state government’s firm stand on protecting Assam’s natural resources while maintaining fairness and legality.

“The Government of Assam has completed yesterday a lawful eviction drive at Hasila Beel, Goalpara, recovering nearly 495 acres of government-notified wetland that had been encroached upon for years. The drive Demonstrated our committed to protect Assam’s natural ecosystems while ensuring fairness and lawful action,” he wrote.

The Government of Assam has completed yesterday a lawful eviction drive at Hasila Beel, Goalpara, recovering nearly 495 acres of government-notified wetland that had been encroached upon for years. The drive Demonstrated our committed to protect Assam’s natural ecosystems while…

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 19, 2025

Earlier this week, the Goalpara district administration launched a large-scale eviction operation in and around the Hasila Beel wetland on the outskirts of the town. The drive, which began early in the morning, was led by Deputy Commissioner Khanindra Choudhury and Superintendent of Police Navneet Mahanta, backed by a heavy deployment of security forces.

The administration used multiple excavators to demolish around 600 unauthorized structures, aclearing nearly several bighas of encroached land by the end of the day.

Hasila Beel, a vital riverine wetland influenced by the Brahmaputra River, supports rich biodiversity including aquatic species and migratory birds. The wetland is also a critical water passage for draining flash floods from Goalpara town and plays an important role in the local fishing economy. However, the surrounding areas had been settled by hundreds of families over the years, many of whom now face displacement.

Also Read: Assam Congress Urges Halt to Goalpara Evictions, Rehab for Affected Families