Guwahati, August 17: Following directions from the Gauhati High Court and the Assam government against encroachment, the Biswanath district administration on Sunday commenced eviction from 175 bighas of government grazing reserve land in Nonke Japoriguri, targeting areas reportedly occupied without authorisation.
Around 307 families were affected as the administration deployed 20 excavators and 10 bulldozers to demolish structures.
To ensure the operation proceeded peacefully, the administration divided the site into four zones and deployed over 1,000 police personnel.
Acting on eviction notices issued on August 1, many families had already demolished their houses themselves and moved their belongings.
Several evictees, who claimed to have been displaced by floods and erosion in areas such as Balidubi, said they had purchased portions of the Nonke Japoriguri land at nominal rates nearly 40–45 years ago.
“We are from Balidubi and had our homes there. But due to severe soil erosion, we lost our homes and had to shift here about 40 years ago. Yes, we know this is government land and we are cooperating with the eviction. But since we are homeless, we want the government to provide us with rehabilitation,” said one evictee, visibly distraught.
He added that they could no longer afford to buy land in the area, as prices had soared. “We could buy land here 40 years ago, but now even a small piece costs around Rs 5 lakh,” he said.
Others expressed concern over their immediate future. “My family will spend the night on the streets. Yesterday, we stayed in an acquaintance’s house as there was a storm, but today, we have to sleep under the open skies,” said another affected resident.
While no specific rehabilitation plan has been announced, the families remain hopeful that their appeals for relief will be considered.
The eviction notice also called for the removal of a mosque and a burial ground reportedly located within the encroached land.
