Hailakandi Forest Eviction Drive Continues for Second Consecutive Day
The large-scale eviction operation at Damcherra forest village under the Gharmora forest range in Hailakandi district entered its second day on Tuesday, with forest department officials and district administration authorities intensifying efforts to reclaim encroached reserve forest land. This sustained drive represents one of the most significant land reclamation initiatives ever undertaken in the region.
Massive Scale of Land Reclamation Operation
The comprehensive operation, which commenced on Monday, targets the eviction of approximately 516 families and the recovery of nearly 2,800 bighas of land from the Gharmora Inner Line Reserve Forest. On Tuesday, authorities focused their efforts on Sectors 1, 2, 3, and 4, systematically clearing encroachments across multiple villages and habitations.
Officials reported that Tuesday's activities specifically affected villages including Manipuri Chit, Kuki Nala, Kuki Tila, Damcherra Mukh, and surrounding residential areas, impacting around 170 families. The operation has been characterized by its methodical approach and substantial resource deployment.
Peaceful Execution Under Heavy Security
Despite the extensive scope of the eviction drive, authorities maintained that the process remained peaceful throughout, with no reports of untoward incidents or violence. The administration attributed this orderly execution to proactive measures taken well in advance of the physical clearance operations.
Most encroachers had voluntarily vacated the premises after receiving official notices approximately one-and-a-half months prior to the eviction drive, according to district officials. This preparatory phase appears to have significantly contributed to the smooth implementation of the land reclamation process.
Unprecedented Resource Mobilization
The scale of resource deployment for this operation has been remarkable, with authorities mobilizing more than 100 bulldozers to clear the encroached forest land. This represents what officials have described as the largest eviction drive ever undertaken in Hailakandi district, highlighting the administration's commitment to addressing long-standing forest encroachment issues.
The operation has been led by divisional forest officer Akhil Dutta and conducted under substantial security arrangements. A large contingent of district police personnel has been deployed to maintain law and order throughout the sensitive process, ensuring minimal disruption to public safety.
Educational Institutions Closed for Safety
In response to the ongoing eviction activities, the inspector of schools for Hailakandi district has ordered the closure of all educational institutions in the Damcherra area effective Tuesday. This precautionary measure will remain in place until further notice, with authorities citing safety concerns for students and staff as the primary consideration.
The administration has indicated that the eviction drive is likely to continue on Wednesday, suggesting that the comprehensive land reclamation effort may extend beyond the initial two-day timeframe. This sustained approach reflects the complexity of addressing encroachment issues that have developed over extended periods.
Historical Context and Environmental Significance
The Gharmora Inner Line Reserve Forest represents a crucial ecological zone within Assam's southern frontier, making its protection a priority for environmental conservation efforts. The current eviction drive follows similar initiatives across Assam aimed at preserving forest ecosystems and maintaining biodiversity in protected areas.
Monday's operations saw the demolition of more than 150 houses along with substantial agricultural assets including standing crops and betel nut plantations. This demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the clearance process, which addresses both residential and agricultural encroachments within the reserve forest boundaries.
