Assam has carried out one of its largest forest land reclamation operations in recent years, clearing 770 hectares of illegally encroached land in Hojai district. The eviction drive, conducted on January 2, 2026, focused on the Jamuna-Moudanga Reserved Forest and marks a significant step in the state government’s push to protect forest resources and restore damaged ecosystems.
The operation was largely peaceful and followed due legal process, with authorities stating that the main objective was environmental restoration after years of illegal settlement and deforestation. While the government highlighted ecological gains, local political voices raised concerns about rehabilitation and the future of displaced families.
Large-Scale Eviction in Jamuna-Moudanga Reserved Forest
The eviction drive took place in the Jamuna-Moudanga Reserved Forest area of Hojai district, reclaiming nearly 70 percent of the total forest land that had been encroached over the years. Officials said the cleared area measured around 770 hectares, making it one of the biggest such actions in Assam in recent times.
More than 50 bulldozers were deployed for the operation, supported by a heavy police presence to maintain law and order. Authorities confirmed that no major incidents were reported, and the drive remained largely peaceful throughout the day.
Eviction Followed Legal Process and Court Directions
State officials emphasized that the eviction was carried out strictly under legal guidance and after proper notice. The action was conducted following directions from the Gauhati High Court, which had instructed the state to remove illegal encroachments from protected forest land.
Prior to the operation, a 30-day eviction notice was issued to around 1,250 families residing in the area. According to the administration, many families vacated the land voluntarily after receiving the notice, helping reduce confrontation during the drive.
Government Says Drive Aims to Restore Biodiversity
The Assam government has maintained that the primary goal of the eviction is environmental protection. Officials pointed out that the Jamuna-Moudanga Reserved Forest had suffered extensive damage due to illegal settlements, tree felling, and unregulated land use over the years.
The drive was led under the administration of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has consistently spoken about the need to reclaim forest land to protect wildlife, water sources, and ecological balance.
Government sources said that once the land is fully cleared, steps will be taken to regenerate forest cover and restore biodiversity in the area. Plantation drives and long-term conservation measures are expected to follow.
Security Arrangements and Peaceful Execution
To ensure safety, a strong police force was deployed across the eviction site. Senior officials monitored the operation on the ground, coordinating between forest, revenue, and police departments.
Authorities stated that the peaceful nature of the drive showed that advance notice and communication helped avoid unrest. Temporary medical and emergency arrangements were also put in place as a precautionary measure.
Concerns Raised Over Rehabilitation and Livelihoods
Despite the government’s environmental focus, concerns have been raised about the future of displaced families. Leaders from the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) expressed worries about possible homelessness and loss of livelihood.
AIUDF leader Bilal Uddin called on the state government to ensure proper rehabilitation for families affected by the eviction. He said that while forest protection is important, humanitarian considerations should also be addressed, especially for economically vulnerable people.
Local residents echoed similar concerns, urging authorities to provide alternative arrangements, employment support, or rehabilitation packages for those who had been living in the area for years.
Balancing Environment Protection and Human Concerns
The eviction drive has once again highlighted the complex challenge faced by governments across India balancing environmental conservation with social responsibility. Assam has seen several eviction operations in recent years as part of its effort to reclaim protected land from encroachment.
Supporters of the drive argue that illegal occupation of forest land leads to long-term ecological damage, loss of wildlife habitats, and increased vulnerability to floods and soil erosion. Critics, however, stress that rehabilitation policies must move alongside eviction actions to prevent humanitarian crises.
Forest Protection a Key Priority for Assam
The Assam government has repeatedly stated that reclaiming forest land is essential for sustainable development. Officials say that protected forests play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity, regulating climate, and supporting livelihoods in the long run.
With climate change impacts becoming more visible in the Northeast, authorities believe that restoring forest areas like Jamuna-Moudanga is crucial for the region’s environmental future. The reclaimed land is expected to be brought back under strict forest management.
What Lies Ahead After the Eviction
Following the eviction, the forest department is expected to fence vulnerable areas, increase patrolling, and begin reforestation work to prevent fresh encroachments. Officials also hinted at possible policy discussions around rehabilitation, though no formal announcement has been made yet.
As Assam moves forward with its conservation agenda, the Hojai eviction drive stands as a significant moment both for its environmental impact and for the debate it has sparked around rights, rehabilitation, and responsible governance.
The coming months will be crucial in determining how effectively the reclaimed land is restored and how displaced families are supported, shaping public perception of future eviction and conservation efforts in the state.
Related News:Â Surat Moves Closer to Slum-Free City Status, But Ground Reality Sparks Debate
