Over 5k bighas of reserve forest in Hojai cleared of encroachment: Himanta

Guwahati: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said over 5,000 bighas of land in the Jamuna-Maudanga Reserve Forest in Hojai district have been cleared of encroachments, asserting that illegal occupation of forests across govt lands will not be tolerated.The Jamuna-Maudanga Reserve Forest spans more than 8,000 bighas, of which 5,250 bighas had been under illegal occupation by over 1,500 families, belonging to the minority community, according to the state govt.In a post on X, Sarma wrote: “GAME OVER for illegal encroachment at Jamuna–Maudanga RF. Mission completed as 5,250 bighas reclaimed through peaceful, lawful & decisive action.” “No cheat codes needed. Consider this your warning,” he added.District commissioner Bidyut Bikash Bhagawati said some encroachers claimed they had occupied the land for over three decades, while others said they had been residing there for about 20 years. According to the district administration, the encroachers own land outside the forest area in other parts of Hojai district and in neighbouring districts, and had settled on forest land primarily for cultivation.Since coming to power in 2021, the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led govt has undertaken a series of eviction drives to clear alleged encroachments, which have largely affected the Bengali-speaking Muslim population.On New Year’s Day, the CM had said 1.45 lakh bighas of forest and govt land had been freed from encroachment over the past five years.Previously, on Nov 3 last year, Sarma had said eviction drives will continue, adding that “illegal Miyas” will not have peace under his govt.