Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that approximately 2,676 square kilometers of forest land, nearly double the size of Delhi, is currently under encroachment in the state. Sarma highlighted that this situation is a result of past Congress government policies. The Chief Minister shared these figures on social media to raise awareness about the significant issue faced by the current administration.
The Assam government has been actively conducting eviction drives and implementing forest protection measures in various districts. Efforts have been intensified to reclaim encroached forest land as part of a broader strategy to preserve wildlife habitats, maintain ecological balance, and support sustainable development.
Senior BJP leaders have accused previous Congress administrations of allowing unchecked encroachment, leading to substantial degradation of reserved forests and wildlife corridors. The current government emphasizes that this issue poses serious threats to biodiversity, human-animal conflict management, and long-term environmental security in the state.
To address the encroachment problem, detailed surveys and satellite mapping are being utilized to assess the extent of encroachment and identify priority areas for action. The reclaimed land will undergo afforestation initiatives and enhanced forest management practices to restore its ecological value.
Despite criticism from the Opposition regarding eviction drives disproportionately affecting marginalized communities, the state government asserts that all actions are conducted in compliance with the law and due process. The BJP government’s focus on land protection and environmental governance is seen as a strategic move ahead of upcoming elections, aiming to showcase a strong stance on these issues while attributing responsibility to previous administrations.
Forest conservation remains a key policy priority for the Assam government, reaffirming its dedication to reclaiming encroached land and safeguarding natural resources. The debate surrounding evictions and rehabilitation efforts continues amidst the government’s commitment to environmental preservation.
