The Assam government land reclamation campaign has taken a decisive step forward. Authorities have announced plans to reclaim 1,143 bighas of forest land in the Dahikata Reserve Forest in Goalpara district. Officials describe this as one of the largest reclamation and eviction drives in recent years, aiming to protect the state’s shrinking forest cover and restore its ecological balance.
Assam Government Land Reclamation in Goalpara
The Forest Department and district administration have started detailed groundwork in Dahikata. They are preparing for an eviction drive that will target long-standing illegal settlements within the reserve forest. Officials say the operation seeks to restore the forest’s natural ecosystem and prevent further encroachment.
Goalpara’s forest officials reported that the eviction will follow a clear timeline. Law enforcement, administrative teams, and forest guards will work together to reclaim the 1,143 bighas. “We want to protect forest land and replant trees where encroachment occurred,” said a senior department officer.
To avoid chaos, the administration has issued advance eviction notices and held meetings with local leaders. The goal is to carry out the operation peacefully and within legal boundaries.
Major Step in Assam’s Forest Protection Efforts
The Dahikata operation forms part of a wider Assam government land reclamation strategy to safeguard natural resources. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has repeatedly emphasized a “zero-tolerance” policy on illegal encroachment. Similar drives earlier this year cleared over 1,500 bighas of land in Hasila Beel and Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary.
Assam’s Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary recently stated that reclamation efforts focus not just on eviction but also on rehabilitation and awareness. “Forest protection must go hand in hand with humane policies,” he said, stressing livelihood alternatives for displaced families.
The Dahikata Reserve Forest—part of the Balijana and Lakhipur forest ranges—supports rare wildlife and acts as a buffer between western Assam and Meghalaya’s forest belt. The new drive seeks to revive these vital corridors that have suffered from human encroachment, cattle grazing, and deforestation.
Ecological Importance and Environmental Gains
Environmentalists have supported the move, noting that it could reverse local deforestation trends and strengthen biodiversity. Assam has lost large forest tracts over the past decades due to encroachment and illegal logging.
“Land reclamation projects like Dahikata can help restore natural habitats and improve rainfall patterns,” said Guwahati-based ecologist Dr. Bidisha Das. She added that preserving such forests will also reduce soil erosion and prevent floods during monsoon months.
The reclaimed forest area will undergo reforestation drives under the State Action Plan on Climate Change. Native species will be planted to promote soil conservation and enhance the green cover in western Assam.
Balancing Enforcement and Humanitarian Needs
While environmental groups praise the plan, human rights advocates stress caution. They argue that some families living within the forest were displaced by Brahmaputra floods and settled there decades ago. The administration has promised rehabilitation assistance for families who qualify under government norms.
Goalpara Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar Gupta said that local bodies are helping identify vulnerable families. “The eviction drive will follow due process. Our objective is to protect forest land, not to displace innocent citizens,” he said.
Security arrangements are in place to ensure a peaceful process. Around 600 police and forest personnel will participate in the operation. Special shelters have been prepared for temporarily displaced individuals until alternative land or housing options become available.
Broader Implications for Assam’s Green Policy
The Assam government land reclamation initiative highlights a growing focus on sustainable governance. The state plans to increase its forest cover by 10% by 2030, using technology-based monitoring. Satellite mapping and drone surveys will track encroachment in real time.
Such measures are essential as Assam faces both population pressure and climate challenges. Rapid erosion, unpredictable rainfall, and rising temperatures have placed enormous strain on forest ecosystems. By reclaiming and protecting these areas, the government hopes to enhance resilience against future environmental risks.
Public and Political Reactions
The reclamation announcement has sparked wide discussion. Environmental NGOs and student groups such as the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) have welcomed the decision. “This is a long-pending step. Illegal occupation must end if we want to save Assam’s forests,” an AASU spokesperson said.
On the other hand, local community groups have sought transparency and compassion in implementing the plan. They demand clear communication about rehabilitation and compensation packages.
Political analysts say the initiative could influence public perception ahead of next year’s state election. Environmental conservation has become a visible part of the government’s development narrative, alongside roads, education, and healthcare.
The Road Ahead
Officials have hinted that similar reclamation missions may soon extend to Chirang, Sonitpur, and Lakhimpur districts. These regions also face high levels of encroachment. If successful, the Dahikata drive could become a model for forest restoration projects across Northeast India.
Citizens, researchers, and conservationists can play a key role by reporting illegal encroachment and supporting afforestation programs. Protecting forests requires a combined effort from government, local communities, and the public.
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The Assam government land reclamation drive in Dahikata Reserve Forest is a landmark effort to reclaim lost green spaces and preserve biodiversity. It demonstrates how development and environmental protection can coexist with strong administrative will.