In a significant move for forest conservation and tribal empowerment, the Assam government has successfully reclaimed over 1.45 lakh bighas of encroached forest land across the state since 2021. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made this announcement during a landmark event in Chhaygaon, Kamrup district, where he distributed land titles to thousands of tribal families.
Historic Land Rights Distribution
The reclaimed forest area spans approximately 193 square kilometers – equivalent to ten times the size of Gangtok city. During the ceremony, the Chief Minister handed over land ownership documents to 4,673 tribal families belonging to four indigenous communities: Garo, Rabha, Bodo, and Karbi.
These families reside in protected forest areas across multiple regions including Lakhra, Bondapara, Kulsi, Loharghat, Bamunigaon, Boko, and Singra. The distribution was conducted under the provisions of the Forest Rights Act, marking a historic achievement for tribal communities who have lived in these forests for generations.
Decades-Long Wait Ends
Chief Minister Sarma expressed immense pride in this achievement, stating, "Today, through our efforts, tribal communities have finally secured land ownership rights. Nearly 78 years after independence, tribal residents living in the eastern and western forest divisions of Kamrup district have become rightful landowners."
The event was part of the nationwide observance of Janajatiya Gaurav Varsh, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda. Sarma emphasized his government's commitment to restoring lands to indigenous people, whom he described as "the true custodians of Assam's Jaati, Maati & Bheti (identity, land and homeland)."
Combating Encroachment and Ensuring Tribal Empowerment
The Chief Minister identified infiltrators as the biggest threat to tribal communities, noting that "for decades, these infiltrators have occupied the forests of Assam." He revealed that forest areas in districts like Goalpara and Kamrup have been shrinking due to encroachments initiated by certain groups.
Substantial eviction drives have been conducted in Goalpara district's Hasila Beel, Paikan Reserve Forest, and Dahikata Forest. Sarma affirmed that such operations will continue in the future to protect forest lands from illegal occupation.
The CM urged public vigilance against new encroachments, warning that even small-scale occupations by one or two families can eventually grow into large-scale settlements. He cited the example of encroachment at Rakhasini Hill in Goalpara district as a cautionary tale.
Expanded Land Rights and Political Representation
Since taking office in 2021, the Sarma government has prioritized land rights for tribal residents. Thousands of families have already received land titles in Sonitpur, Nagaon, Karbi Anglong, and the Bodoland Territorial Region.
Nearly 600 villages have been converted from non-cadastral to cadastral status, enabling more families to claim ownership of their ancestral lands. In a significant policy enhancement, the government has expanded eligibility under the Basundhara scheme, allowing tribal families to receive up to 50 bighas of land – a substantial increase from the earlier cap of seven bighas.
Additionally, through constituency boundary reorganization, Boko, Goalpara West, and Dudhnoi assembly constituencies have been designated as reserved constituencies for tribal communities, ensuring better political representation for indigenous populations.
This comprehensive approach combining forest land reclamation, land rights distribution, and political empowerment represents a transformative moment for Assam's tribal communities and environmental conservation efforts.
