Guwahati, July 25: Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday visited Uriamghat in Golaghat district to take stock of large-scale illegal encroachments on public lands. During his visit, he asserted that the government will launch a systematic, phased crackdown to clear all encroachments on village grazing reserves (VGR), professional grazing reserves (PGR), Satras, Naamghars, forest lands, and other public spaces across the state.

In Uriamghat, I personally reviewed the extent of encroachment of forest land and how the forest has been destroyed and converted into commercial plantations.

THESE SETTLEMENTS WILL NOW BE HISTORY. pic.twitter.com/e1S37MFR8P

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 25, 2025

Dr. Sarma revealed that thousands of bighas in Uriamghat had been unlawfully occupied, with some families encroaching up to 400 bighas for economic activities. “The government cannot remain a mute spectator. Lawful eviction will follow, and public cooperation is vital,” he said, adding that 70% of the encroachers had already vacated voluntarily.

Many of the settlers, he said, had come from other Assam districts such as Barpeta, Dhubri, Nagaon, and Hojai, and also from West Bengal and Bihar.
Authorities are in the process of collecting names and verifying details with respective district administrations.

The Chief Minister also confirmed that eviction notices have been issued in Negheribil and other areas, noting that encroachments had turned Uriamghat into a hotspot for criminal activity. “Peace will return once the land is cleared,” he said.

Highlighting the government’s vision post-eviction, Dr. Sarma said the Forest Department and local administration would launch reforestation efforts and promote sustainable livelihood options for youth by tapping into local resources such as stone, sand, and forest produce.

He disclosed that two individuals identified as key instigators behind the encroachments had been arrested, and that the state maintains a comprehensive list of encroached areas that will be tackled in the coming months.

With over 1.5 lakh bighas already cleared or under process across Assam, the CM appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and report fresh encroachments, citing recent social media alerts from concerned residents.

He also acknowledged the support extended by the Nagaland government and assured that all future evictions will be conducted within legal frameworks and with administrative diligence.

Dr. Sarma was accompanied by Golaghat MLA Biswajit Phukan, Special Chief Secretary (Forests) M.K. Yadava, IGP (Law & Order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh, Golaghat DC Pulak Mahanta, and senior officials.

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