Assam CM flags forest encroachment in Uriamghat, alleges betel nut mafia nexus

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma raised serious concerns over large-scale deforestation in the Uriamghat region of the state, attributing the destruction to illegal settlers working hand-in-hand with a powerful "Supari (betel nut) mafia."

In a sharp statement, Sarma cautioned that the lush greenery seen in satellite images or by the naked eye could be misleading. “Don’t let the greenery fool you; these are betel nut plantations grown by destroying precious native trees in Uriamghat,” the Chief Minister said.

According to the Chief Minister, nearly 500 illegal settlers have allegedly taken over large tracts of forest land in the region, felling indigenous trees to clear space for commercial plantations of areca nut — a cash crop commonly used in the production of betel quid (pan).

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Sarma claimed these encroachments have occurred with the active involvement of an organized supari mafia, which has been converting forest zones into privately controlled plantations.

Officials believe that the ecological damage is not only impacting the state’s rich biodiversity but also undermining efforts to protect reserved forests and tribal belt areas. Sarma added that his government would be taking strict action against both the encroachers and those aiding such activities.

Forest department officials have been directed to intensify surveillance and initiate eviction operations in coordination with local administration and law enforcement agencies.

 The Chief Minister also hinted that similar encroachments might be taking place in other forested regions of Upper Assam, and that these would be thoroughly investigated.

The Uriamghat revelations come amid Assam’s wider push to recover encroached land and curb the influence of illicit trade networks.