In a pointed statement, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has raised alarm over systematic forest land encroachment across the state, allegedly carried out by “outsiders,” including people from neighboring Manipur. Speaking in the Assam Assembly this week, the CM revealed that since May 2021, the state has cleared 1.19 lakh bighas of illegally occupied forest land, but a staggering 63 lakh bighas remain encroached.
The disclosure underscores ongoing land and identity tensions in Assam, as well as the challenges of forest conservation in a politically sensitive region.
1.19 Lakh Bighas Cleared Since 2021
Since assuming office in May 2021, the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government has intensified its focus on land reclamation and eviction drives. As of July 2025, 1.19 lakh bighas of government and forest land have been reclaimed through a combination of evictions, legal action, and fencing.
Key Encroached Areas:
- Karimganj and Hailakandi (Barak Valley)
- Dima Hasao and Cachar (border areas with Manipur)
- Goalpara and Bongaigaon (Lower Assam)
“There is an organized pattern behind these encroachments,” said CM Sarma. “People from other states, especially Manipur, are cultivating and settling on our protected lands.”
The government claims that encroachment isn’t just unregulated habitation—it involves cultivation, livestock grazing, and the clearing of protected zones.
CM Links Outsiders to Encroachment
CM Sarma’s comments stirred debate across the political spectrum. While he did not name specific communities, he referred to “outsiders,” with many interpreting the statement as a reference to ethnic migrants from Manipur and illegal settlements near Assam’s inter-state borders.
The CM also pointed to encroachments by organized groups, sometimes under the guise of religious or community settlements. He called the issue a “security threat” and promised tougher action.
The Forest Encroachment Crisis in Assam
How Serious Is the Problem?
According to official data, Assam has:
- 63 lakh bighas (roughly 20.8 lakh acres) of land under illegal encroachment
- A high proportion of it lies in reserve forests and wildlife corridors
- Encroachment threatens biodiversity, tribal land rights, and ecological stability
Experts warn that continued land grabbing could lead to irreversible damage to forest ecosystems, especially in Kaziranga, Manas, and Nameri zones.
Learn more about Assam’s protected areas →
Political Reactions and Tribal Concerns
Opposition Accuses Bias and Targeting
Assam Congress and AIUDF leaders quickly slammed the remarks, accusing the government of using the issue to target ethnic minorities and tribals. Critics argue that while action on illegal encroachment is necessary, displacement of indigenous and forest-dwelling communities should be handled sensitively.
“The CM is using forest protection as a tool to selectively evict the poor while turning a blind eye to corporate takeovers,” said Congress leader Ripun Bora.
Government Strategy Moving Forward
CM Sarma outlined a four-step strategy to combat forest land encroachment in Assam:
- Digitization of land records to identify unauthorized settlements
- Drone and satellite mapping of reserve forests
- Accelerated legal action under the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation
- Compensatory afforestation programs
He also emphasized cooperation with the Forest Department, Assam Police, and local administrations to coordinate evictions humanely and lawfully.
Balancing Ecology, Identity, and Rights
The forest land encroachment Assam is battling reflects deep-rooted tensions between development, environmental conservation, and identity politics. As evictions ramp up and encroachments continue, a fine balance must be struck between law enforcement and human rights.
Whether the remaining 63 lakh bighas can be reclaimed without further conflict will depend on transparency, inter-state dialogue, and fair treatment of all communities.
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