Massive eviction drive in Laokhowa Sanctuary, forest dept destroys illegal paddy and fisheries on govt land

The Forest Department carried out an eviction drive in the eastern Phutaljar area of the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary in Nagaon district, removing large-scale encroachments on government land.

According to officials, the operation targeted illegal cultivation and fisheries activities allegedly being carried out on thousands of bighas of government land within the sanctuary area. 

The encroachers had reportedly converted vast stretches of protected land into paddy fields and fishery units.

Forest personnel, led by the Gorajan Range Office under the Nagaon Forest Division, used elephants to destroy standing paddy crops that had been planted on the encroached land. Sources said the crops had been sown after months of labour, but were uprooted as part of the clearance operation.

Local residents alleged that despite visible encroachment and ongoing cultivation, the activities had continued for a long time without intervention. 
Questions have also been raised over alleged inaction by forest officials, as illegal fisheries and daily fishing activities were reportedly being conducted in water bodies near the Singimari Forest Range Office within the sanctuary limits.

The eviction drive comes amid renewed efforts by the Forest Department to reclaim protected land and prevent further encroachment inside the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary. Authorities have indicated that similar operations may continue in other affected areas to safeguard government and forest land.