Assam eviction drive enters second day, 500 families face removal in Nagaon

An eviction drive to clear alleged encroachments from the Lutumari Reserved Forest in Assam's Nagaon district continued for the second consecutive day on Sunday, with around 500 families facing removal from the protected area, officials said.

The operation, jointly conducted by the forest department, district administration, police and other departments, is expected to continue on Monday as authorities work to clear structures built on forest land.

An official said the drive resumed after the authorities completed the necessary legal formalities and obtained clearances following a court ruling against the land claims of the affected families.

"These families had obtained a stay order from a court when eviction was carried out in this area last year. After meeting all legal requirements and obtaining clearances, we resumed the eviction drive here today," the official said.

𝗘𝘃𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴

The first phase of the eviction operation in the Lutumari Reserved Forest was conducted in November 2025. However, the exercise was halted in certain areas after approximately 500 to 600 families approached the court, asserting legal rights over the land.

Officials said the court subsequently rejected their claims, clearing the way for the administration to resume the anti-encroachment drive.

Excavators were deployed on Sunday to demolish structures in the identified areas, while a substantial police presence was maintained to prevent disturbances.

The administration said several families had already vacated their homes and moved their belongings before demolition began.

"Several families had already left with their belongings. There has been no untoward incident," the official said.

Authorities maintained that the exercise was proceeding peacefully, with personnel from multiple departments coordinating the operation.

𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘀

The Lutumari operation forms part of a series of anti-encroachment exercises undertaken in different parts of Assam over the weekend.

On Saturday, authorities also carried out an eviction drive in the Borpani Reserved Forest area of Nagaon district.

Similar operations were conducted in parts of Hojai and Golaghat districts the same day, affecting more than 500 families, according to officials.

The latest action in Lutumari is expected to continue until the identified encroached areas have been cleared, with the administration maintaining security arrangements throughout the operation.

Officials said the drive was being undertaken in accordance with the legal clearances obtained following the court proceedings.