An eviction drive was carried out in the Birubari area of Guwahati on Saturday, leading to the demolition of several houses and the displacement of numerous families. A total of 63 families were evicted during the operation, which was conducted by the district administration with support from police personnel and other concerned departments.
Eviction for Medical College Expansion
The eviction drive took place in Subala Bordoloi Nagar, along the RK Mission Road. District administration officials stated that the eviction was carried out for the expansion and upgradation of the Pragjyotishpur Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), as the institution is recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC). They added that failure to undertake these improvements could put the medical college’s recognition at risk and affect the validity of its academic programs.
Encroached Land Details
According to Guwahati revenue circle officer Manoj Dutta, the affected people were residing on encroached government land that originally belonged to the Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi TB Hospital, now functioning as part of PMCH. The land had remained under the institution’s ownership for nearly 50 years. Officials reported that the encroached land measured 8 bighas, 3 kathas, and 10 lessas, and around 63 families were evicted from the area.
Legal Proceedings and Notices
The officer said prior eviction notices were served on the occupants, but they failed to comply and subsequently challenged the order in the Gauhati High Court. During a hearing held last year, the ruling was in favor of the district administration. Dutta further explained that to be eligible for land settlement in Assam, an applicant’s family must prove continuous and undisputed residency and possession of the land for at least three generations, which is legally defined as 75 years. According to the Assam Land Policy, 2019, families seeking settlement of land in urban areas must have occupied the land on or before June 28, 2001. However, upon verification, it was found that most of the occupants possessed documents dated only from 2007 onwards, making them ineligible for land settlement.
Residents' Reactions and Rehabilitation
There was chaos across the locality, as the evicted people alleged that despite living in the area for a long time, they were evicted. “We have been staying here for over 20 years, and we were also paying tax to the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC). Even then, they broke our houses. Where will we stay now?” asked Ravi Basfor, one of the occupants. Meanwhile, other occupants claimed that the eviction drive would impact their children, as they do not have a roof over their heads. Keeping their distress in mind, district administration officials said a rehabilitation grant of Rs 5 lakh would be provided to the evicted families on humanitarian grounds. A total of 8 bighas, 3 kathas, and 10 lessas of land was reclaimed during the drive.
