In July, the Assam government undertook a significant eviction operation in the Paikan Reserve Forest located in Goalpara district. This drive, which cleared more than 140 hectares of forest land, was launched in response to a Gauhati High Court order and marks a notable moment in the state’s long-standing effort to reclaim its ecologically sensitive spaces from illegal encroachment. The operation resulted in the removal of approximately 2,700 illegal structures and affected over 1,000 families.
The eviction was not an abrupt act. It followed months of notice and repeated communication, with authorities first issuing eviction notices in December 2024 and reiterating them in June 2025. By the time the operation began, over 95 percent of the encroachers had voluntarily vacated the area, which helped prevent large-scale confrontation and ensured the smooth execution of the eviction.
Understanding the Larger Context
Assam has one of the highest percentages of encroached forest land in India, with government estimates placing the figure at more than 3,600 square kilometers. Over the past few years, a concerted drive has been underway to recover these ecologically vital spaces. Since 2021, more than 25,000 acres of land—much of it categorized as reserved forests or critical wildlife corridors—has been reclaimed through state-led eviction drives.
The Paikan Reserve Forest lies in an area known for its frequent human-elephant conflicts. Unplanned and illegal human settlement in these areas has drastically reduced the roaming space for elephants, forcing them into human habitations, leading to loss of crops, injuries, and even human fatalities. Restoring these forest patches is therefore not just a conservation issue—it is also a matter of human safety.
The encroachment in Goalpara district had directly obstructed natural elephant corridors, contributing to an increase in conflict and ecological degradation. The eviction drive, therefore, sought to bring a degree of ecological balance back to a region that had become a flashpoint for environmental tension.
Legal, Ethical, and Ecological Rationale
The eviction was carried out under the orders of the Gauhati High Court, which had taken cognizance of the widespread encroachment on protected land. Over the years, the court has consistently directed state authorities to identify and remove encroachments from forest areas, citing not only legal violations but also the long-term ecological damage they pose.
The decision to clear the land was also rooted in the state’s broader vision to restore degraded forests and invest in biodiversity recovery. Officials have indicated that the reclaimed land in Goalpara will be reforested and may be used for bamboo plantations and other ecological restoration initiatives that benefit both wildlife and local communities.
Another important aspect to consider is the manner in which the eviction was carried out. Unlike earlier eviction drives in Assam, which were sometimes marred by clashes and controversies, the Goalpara operation was largely peaceful. Authorities coordinated with local communities, explained the legal framework, and gave sufficient time for residents to vacate the land. Law enforcement was on standby to maintain order, but resistance was minimal due to the preparatory steps taken by the administration.
Addressing Human Costs
No eviction is without human impact. Many of the families removed from the forest land had been residing there for years—some even decades—without formal land titles. Though the settlements were illegal, the humanitarian aspect cannot be ignored. At least one person attempted self-harm, and others expressed anguish over their uncertain futures.
This is where the state must step in to ensure balance. While it is necessary to enforce forest laws and protect the environment, it is equally important to provide support to displaced families, especially those who have no other place to go. Temporary shelters, access to welfare schemes, and assistance in rehabilitation are critical for ensuring that the evictions do not result in long-term suffering for vulnerable families.
The government has suggested that it will review the cases of those who have valid documents or long-term residency and extend support where appropriate. Such steps are essential to maintain a humane and just process.
Long-Term Gains: Ecological and Legal
From a conservation standpoint, the Goalpara eviction is a positive and much-needed development. By clearing encroached land in an ecologically sensitive zone, the government is sending a clear message that the misuse of forest land will not be tolerated. This is crucial in a time when biodiversity loss, deforestation, and climate change are accelerating.
Reclaimed land will help re-establish elephant corridors, reduce man-animal conflict, and allow native vegetation to recover. With proper planning and afforestation, the land can become part of Assam’s long-term environmental assets.
The drive also reinforces the authority of environmental and forest laws, which are often undermined by unauthorized settlements and political interference. Ensuring the rule of law in such areas builds a strong precedent for future governance and helps avoid the dangerous cycle of legal erosion and environmental degradation.
Moving Forward: What Needs to Be Done
To ensure that the eviction leads to sustainable outcomes, several critical steps must follow:
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Transparent Documentation
The government must clearly delineate forest and revenue land boundaries, publish maps, and make information accessible to citizens to prevent future disputes. -
Clear Resettlement Plans
Evicted families should be considered for legal resettlement, either through housing schemes or community relocation in less sensitive areas. -
Ecological Monitoring
Reforestation and restoration efforts should begin promptly, with regular updates made public. Collaboration with environmental experts and local communities will be key. -
Community Engagement
Engaging NGOs, local leaders, and civil society groups can help build public trust and ensure that both conservation and social justice goals are met. -
Education and Alternatives
Educating local communities about the importance of forest preservation and offering them sustainable livelihood alternatives can reduce future encroachment pressure.
Conclusion
The Goalpara eviction drive reflects a significant moment in Assam’s efforts to reclaim its forests and realign human settlements with environmental priorities. While it has caused disruptions for some families, the long-term gains for biodiversity, wildlife safety, and ecological health are undeniable.
Critics may argue about timing or process, but the central idea remains valid: forest land is not merely vacant space; it is a shared resource for humans and wildlife alike, vital for maintaining ecological equilibrium. The decision to remove illegal settlements from such areas should be seen not as an act of displacement, but as an effort to restore order, legality, and sustainability.
If implemented with compassion and foresight, Assam’s eviction drives can become a model for balancing environmental protection with social responsibility—something that the entire country can learn from
