In a dramatic operation this week, authorities in Goalpara, Assam, carried out a major demolition drive in the Dahikata Reserve Forest. The Goalpara demolition drive reportedly targeted structures owned by Muslim families, displacing hundreds and drawing widespread criticism from civil rights groups.
Eviction Drive Sparks Outrage in Goalpara District
The large-scale demolition took place under tight security. Bulldozers moved through the Dahikata Reserve Forest area, flattening homes and shops that officials described as “illegal encroachments.” The eviction drive, which affected around 580 families, was justified by forest authorities as a move to reclaim over 150 hectares of land classified as forest reserve.
Residents, however, said they had been living in the area for decades. They claimed they received little notice before the demolitions began. “We were not given time to move our belongings. Everything we owned is gone,” said one displaced resident.
Officials Cite Encroachment Removal
Government officials stated that the demolition was part of a long-term plan to clear forest land of unauthorized settlements. Goalpara Deputy Commissioner said that repeated notices had been issued to residents before the action. “The operation was conducted to remove encroachment from the Dahikata Reserve Forest as per legal procedures,” he told local media.
State authorities also emphasized that the drive aligns with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s ongoing campaign to “protect forest land and prevent illegal occupation.”
Critics Call the Goalpara Demolition Drive Discriminatory
Several human rights groups and opposition leaders criticized the Goalpara demolition drive, alleging that the action disproportionately targeted Muslim families. They argued that the state should have explored rehabilitation measures instead of large-scale evictions.
The All Assam Minority Students’ Union (AAMSU) condemned the operation, saying it was “selective and inhumane.” AAMSU representatives demanded compensation and alternative housing for those displaced.
Chief Minister Defends the Move
Responding to the criticism, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma defended the drive, asserting that the government’s intent was not communal but ecological. “Encroachment on forest land affects the environment and wildlife. We are committed to reclaiming Assam’s forest areas,” he said during a press interaction in Guwahati.
Videos shared online by BJP leader Pallab Lochan Das showed bulldozers clearing homes while security personnel guarded the perimeter. The footage sparked heated debate across social media, with many questioning the humanitarian impact of such drives.
Civil Society Urges Rehabilitation Measures
Local NGOs and civil society members have urged the government to adopt a more compassionate approach. They highlighted that most displaced families include women, children, and elderly individuals now left without shelter.
“The eviction could have been handled with more planning and empathy. Many of these families have voter cards and ration cards registered at their addresses,” said a Guwahati-based activist.
Environmental Justification and Human Cost
While the Goalpara demolition drive was framed as an environmental action, the humanitarian fallout has been severe. Experts warn that large-scale evictions without rehabilitation can deepen poverty and fuel social unrest.
Environmentalists note that forest encroachment is a long-standing issue in Assam, but they also emphasize that sustainable solutions must include resettlement options.
Government Promises Follow-up Actions
The Assam government announced that further eviction operations could continue in other encroached forest areas. Officials stated they are reviewing documents of those affected to determine eligibility for rehabilitation under state schemes.
However, the affected families remain skeptical. Many are now taking shelter in nearby villages, living in temporary tents. “We have nowhere to go. The government must provide us some relief,” said one resident.
Public Reactions and Political Response
Political parties across Assam have expressed differing opinions. While the BJP supported the move as necessary for protecting forest land, the Congress and AIUDF called it an “unjust and politically motivated action.”
Human rights lawyers in Guwahati plan to file petitions seeking a judicial review of the eviction process.
A Call for Balanced Policy
The Goalpara demolition drive has reignited debate over balancing environmental protection with human rights. Observers suggest the state should pursue both goals by ensuring due process, consultation, and rehabilitation before eviction.
The incident adds to a growing list of eviction-related controversies in Assam, including those in Sipajhar and Hojai.
Seeking Justice and Sustainable Reform
As the dust settles in Dahikata, the question remains: can Assam protect its forests without displacing its people? The Goalpara demolition drive underscores the urgent need for humane, transparent, and inclusive land management policies in the state.
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