Massive eviction drive underway in Assam's Barak Valley; 35 JCBs, 1500 security personnel deployed

In one of the biggest eviction operations ever undertaken in Assam’s Barak Valley, authorities on Monday, February 2, launched a large-scale drive to clear encroachments from the Gharmura Inner Line Reserved Forest in Hailakandi district, targeting the eviction of 522 families.

The operation began around 7 am in the Damchhera area and is being carried out jointly by the district administration and the Forest Department. Officials said the drive will continue till February 4 as part of a sustained effort to reclaim protected forest land and prevent further encroachment.

To ensure smooth execution, the Forest Department has deployed 35 JCB machines, while security arrangements have been significantly tightened. More than 1,500 security personnel, along with nearly 200 Forest Department officials, have been stationed on the ground to maintain law and order throughout the operation.

The eviction zone has been divided into seven sectors to streamline the process. Eviction activities were conducted on Monday in Sectors 5, 6, and 7, while the remaining sectors will be covered in a phased manner over the next two days, Hailakandi Divisional Forest Officer Akhil Dutta said.

Officials noted that eviction notices had been issued to residents of the area nearly two months ago. Following the notices, a majority of families vacated the land voluntarily, enabling authorities to carry out the initial phase of the drive with minimal resistance.

The administration maintained that the eviction is aimed at safeguarding forest land, restoring ecological balance, and ensuring that reserved forest areas remain free from illegal occupation.