Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said more than 15,288 bighas of Satra land have been illegally occupied across 29 districts of the state.
The encroached land, sacred to Assam’s Vaishnavite monastic institutions, spans an area twice the size of Dispur, the state capital. Moreover, the CM called the situation alarming and vowed decisive action.
Thousands of Bighas Lost to Satra land Encroachment
Addressing reporters in Guwahati, CM Sarma said,
“The satras are vital to our cultural identity. But widespread illegal occupation has reduced their physical presence.”
The largest encroachments were reported in Barpeta, Nagaon, Lakhimpur, Dhubri, and Goalpara. These districts are known for their historical satras established by followers of Srimanta Sankardev.
Officials estimate that more than 2,000 bighas have been lost in Barpeta alone.
For context, one bigha equals approximately 1,600 square yards or 0.33 acres. This means over 5,000 acres of sacred land are no longer under satra control.
Government Orders District-Level Action
The Chief Minister announced that a special task force will be formed to identify and recover satra land.
Each Deputy Commissioner (DC) has been instructed to carry out a comprehensive land audit in their respective districts.
Sarma said,
“We will not allow our cultural institutions to shrink under illegal pressure. All encroachments must be removed in a time-bound manner.”
He also stressed the need to digitally map all satra properties and maintain updated land records.
Links to Historical and Religious Heritage
Satra lands in Assam are centuries-old and were donated by kings, zamindars, and devotees to promote Neo-Vaishnavite teachings.
These institutions are central to the cultural life of Assam. Also, act as hubs for religious, social, and educational activity.
Encroachment not only disrupts land ownership but also threatens religious practices and the preservation of Assamese heritage.
Many satra heads have complained in recent years about shrinking space, deteriorating infrastructure, and unauthorized settlements on their premises.
Political and Social Response On Satra land Encroachment
The revelation has sparked reactions across political circles.
The Opposition Congress criticized the government for failing to protect religious land despite being in power for over eight years.
However, AASU (All Assam Students’ Union) and other regional bodies welcomed the Chief Minister’s announcement and called for fast-track eviction drives.
Cultural activist and author Bhabananda Saikia said,
“This is a fight for our soul. The satras are more than religious places—they are cultural beacons.”
The issue ties in with Assam’s broader push against encroachments.
Earlier this year, the state government began a massive drive to reclaim forest land and wetland zones, especially in Kaziranga and Pobitora.
By flagging the satra encroachment, the government is sending a clear signal that cultural and religious lands are next in line for protection.
Preservation vs Displacement Debate
While most support reclaiming satra land, rights groups have raised concerns about human displacement.
They demand that proper rehabilitation be arranged for people evicted from encroached areas, especially if they belong to economically weaker sections.
Follow the Assam Government’s official portal for updates on land recovery and cultural heritage initiatives.
To support satra preservation, join awareness campaigns and local cultural programs that promote Assam’s Neo-Vaishnavite legacy.
Keep track of land rights developments across the Northeast on TripuraInfo and The Sentinel Assam.
