Assam's Biggest Eviction Drive for Adani Plant Leaves 20,000 Homeless in Bilasipara

A massive eviction drive, claimed to be the largest in Assam's history, is underway in Bilasipara under Assam’s Dhubri district on Tuesday morning.

Following direct instructions from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, bulldozers rolled into the scene early morning today, displacing thousands of families who had lived there for decades.

The drive is taking place in areas like Santoshpur, Charuabakhra, and Chirakuta Part 1 and 2. According to estimates, around 2,000 families, comprising of nearly 20,000 people, have been evicted.

The land, spread across more than 3,500 bighas, is reportedly being cleared to make way for a proposed thermal power project that will be handed over to the Adani Group.

The eviction site saw emotional scenes as families, many with children and elderly members, were forced to leave behind their homes and belongings. Some had already dismantled their houses after receiving notice, while others held on till the last moment, hoping for relief or intervention.

Security was tight, with a large number of police and paramilitary personnel stationed across the eviction zones. Still, the situation turned tense when Raijor Dal chief and Sivasagar MLA, Akhil Gogoi, attempted to enter the area to speak with affected families. Police stopped him, leading to angry protests. In the chaos that followed, two JCB machines were damaged, and police reportedly resorted to lathi charge, injuring several people.

Souces infomed that Gogoi was detained by police soon after.

Local organisations have called for immediate compensation and resettlement of the displaced, accusing the government of prioritising corporate projects over people's lives.

Also Read: Goalpara: 140 Hectares in Paikan Reserve Forest Set for Eviction