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Goalpara Eviction Drive: 3,300 Homes Demolished

Goalpara eviction drive

The Goalpara eviction drive carried out in Bidyapara has sparked widespread public outrage and humanitarian concern. Authorities demolished around 3,300 homes, claiming the structures encroached upon forest land within the Paikan Reserve Forest. As a result, thousands of families now face life without shelter, safety, or support.

Why Authorities Launched the Goalpara Eviction Drive

According to officials from the Assam Forest Department, the evicted land was protected under forest conservation laws. They stated that the eviction was necessary to reclaim over 1,000 bighas of forest land that had been illegally settled over the past decade.

Moreover, they revealed plans to restore the forest ecosystem and possibly prepare the land for a proposed thermal power project.

“Encroachment cannot continue in ecologically sensitive zones. This drive was essential,” said a senior forest officer.

Nevertheless, affected residents tell a different story. Many claim they had lived in Bidyapara for over 20 years. Despite that, they say they were never properly notified or given time to relocate.

On the Ground: Loss, Shock, and Despair

Scenes from Bidyapara reveal the emotional toll of the eviction. Entire families watched helplessly as bulldozers flattened their homes. Children clung to what little they could salvage—books, clothes, photographs.

One woman, standing beside the ruins of her home, said:

“Even if you cry, your house won’t be spared. No one listens to the poor.”

Despite pleas from residents, the demolition continued. Many slept in the open that night, using tarps and broken furniture for cover.

Did the Government Violate Forest Rights?

Legal experts argue that the Goalpara eviction drive may have violated the Forest Rights Act, 2006, which requires proper identification and settlement of land claims before eviction. Notably, this law also protects traditional forest dwellers from sudden displacement.

Several civil society groups are now preparing to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). In addition, opposition leaders have condemned the drive as unjust and authoritarian.

Gaurav Gogoi, Congress MP, tweeted:

“This is not forest conservation. It’s an assault on poor communities without offering them justice.”

This Isn’t an Isolated Incident

The Goalpara eviction drive reflects a larger pattern in Assam. Over the past two years, the state government has intensified its eviction campaigns across forest areas and government land.

Earlier this month, nearly 95% of settlers vacated nearby land in the same forest voluntarily after receiving proper notice.

However, the situation in Bidyapara appears different. Many claim they were not consulted or offered resettlement options, raising questions about selective enforcement and lack of due process.

What Happens to the Displaced Families?

As of now, the state government has not announced a rehabilitation or relief package. Consequently, NGOs and volunteer groups have stepped in to provide emergency aid—mainly food, blankets, and tarpaulins.

Social workers on the ground are urging the government to:

If you or someone you know has been affected, report cases to the National Human Rights Commission or reach out to the National Legal Services Authority for free legal aid.

A Conflict Between Law and Livelihood

The Goalpara eviction drive may have aimed to protect the environment, but it has also highlighted the fragile line between conservation and compassion. Forests need protection, but people need protection too.

Without transparent communication, legal clarity, and humane resettlement, eviction drives will only deepen mistrust between communities and the state.

READ MORE: AI-Morphed Images: Tinsukia Man Arrested

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