Before eviction, 95% ‘illegal' settlers leave Paikan forest
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The eviction aims to clear over 1,000 bighas of encroached land in the Krishnai Forest Range. It was initially scheduled for Friday but was deferred by a day in view of the Friday namaz.
Goalpara district commissioner Khanindra Choudhury said most families dismantled their temporary structures and removed their belongings, leaving only immovable or brick-built constructions. "Security and logistical arrangements have been finalised to ensure a smooth operation," he added.
Meanwhile, a senior forest officer said 1,080 families encroached on the forest land and were served eviction notices between Nov and Dec last year, followed by a final warning last month asking them to vacate by July 10. In the last two years, around 650 hectares of forest land have been freed from encroachment, of which 200 hectares were inhabited, while 450 hectares were under cultivation, the official added.
The Goalpara eviction follows a mega eviction drive in Charuwa Bakra, Chirakuta, and Santoshpur under Chapar revenue circle in Dhubri district on Tuesday.
Around 3,500 bighas of land were freed from encroachment. According to govt data, over 800 families illegally occupied the govt land. The evicted land will be handed over to the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) for a proposed thermal power plant.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, during his visit to the site last month, said the 3,400 MW thermal power plant in the area will benefit the people of the entire region. Meanwhile, Congress vowed to provide compensation to all Indian citizens evicted during the BJP regime if the party returns to power.
Congress MP from Dhubri, Rakibul Hussain, on Friday met the evicted families at Chapar and vowed to ensure justice for them.
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