Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said that nearly 27 lakh bighas of land across the state are currently under illegal encroachment, and asserted that the government will continue its eviction drives to reclaim public and forest land.
Addressing the media, Sarma said that despite sustained eviction operations over the past few years, a vast stretch of government land remains occupied unlawfully. “Around 26 to 27 lakh bighas of land are still encroached upon in Assam. Eviction will continue district-wise and there will be no pause in the process,” he said .
The Chief Minister reiterated that the eviction drives are being carried out as part of the government’s zero-tolerance policy against encroachment, particularly on forest land, wetlands, grazing reserves, and other public assets. He maintained that reclaiming such land is essential for environmental protection, development projects, and safeguarding indigenous land rights.
According to the government, eviction operations are conducted following legal procedures, including the issuance of notices and verification of land records. Sarma also pointed out that in several areas, land has already been reclaimed and restored for public use or conservation purposes .
The eviction drive, however, has remained politically contentious. Opposition parties and civil society groups have criticised the government, alleging humanitarian concerns and displacement of poor families. The Chief Minister dismissed these allegations, stating that the action is directed solely against illegal occupation and not against any particular community.
Eviction drives have been carried out in multiple districts, including forest and reserve areas, with the government indicating that the process will continue in phases until all encroached land is recovered. Sarma added that protecting Assam’s land and natural resources remains a top priority of his administration .
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