Assam CM: Forest encroachment alarming, will take 10 years to clear

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a sustained and systematic drive to clear encroachments from forest land across the state, asserting that the process will take at least a decade due to the sheer scale of the issue.

Speaking on Friday, CM Sarma said, “Every Deputy Commissioner has been instructed to assess the extent of encroachment in their respective districts’ forest areas. We will ensure that these areas are cleared, and people evicted—except those who are eligible under the Forest Rights Act.”

Sarma acknowledged the complexity and sensitivity of the task, noting that while rightful forest dwellers will be protected under legal provisions, large tracts of forest land remain under illegal occupation and need to be restored to their original ecological purpose.

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“The level of encroachment is very high. It will require at least 10 years of consistent effort to bring the situation under control,” he stated, signalling a long-term policy priority for the government.

The Chief Minister’s comments come amid ongoing state initiatives to protect biodiversity, restore degraded forest lands, and enforce environmental regulations. The Assam government has previously launched eviction drives in multiple districts to reclaim government and forest land, often drawing both support and criticism from various sections of society.

Environmentalists and forest officials see this renewed push as a critical step in preserving Assam’s rich forest cover, which is vital for maintaining the region’s ecological balance. However, officials also anticipate challenges in implementation, especially in balancing conservation goals with the rights of traditional forest dwellers and marginalised communities.

The move is expected to be part of a larger forest governance and conservation framework that aligns with both central government policies and global climate action goals.