Assam: Illegal acts by the land mafia frighten locals in Boko area

Illegal activities by land mafias have escalated in the Boko area, causing concern among the local community. The expansion of National Highway 17, which involved the cutting down of valuable and rare trees, has led to this anxiety.

The community has questioned the government about its alternative plans once these trees are removed. The construction work requires soil, which, as per the law, can only be obtained from private land with proper documentation.

However, there are allegations that the land mafia is unlawfully extracting soil from government reserve land and forests. An anonymous source claimed that forest land soil from South Pukhuripara village is being used for the highway expansion work, resulting in loss of revenue for the state government and deforestation.

"While we visited South Pukhuripara village (Revenue village Dhupguri) under Bondapara Forest Range near Sukuniapara some three kilometers from NH 17, many bighas of forest land soil cutting and supplied to the highway extension work," alleged anonymous sources. "Thousands of trucks soil from this area used in the highway extinction works and state government has lost revenue, deforesting in the name of the development and damaged the connecting road from the highway" also emphasized by the anonymous source. 

The highway expansion is being carried out by M/s Anil-Sailaja (Joint Venture). The local community is hesitant to oppose the land mafia due to their powerful influence. The community also fears the potential dangers posed by the deep, pond-like canals created by the excavation.

The Boko Revenue Circle Office denied granting permission for soil extraction and stated that the area falls under the forest department's jurisdiction.

Utpal Barman, in-charge of the Bondapara Forest Range, claimed ignorance about the illegal excavations due to staff shortages. Dimpy Bora, DFO of West Kamrup, assured that the matter will be thoroughly investigated and legal action will be taken if necessary.

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