Preparations are underway in Assam’s Doboka forest area as over 1,200 families have been served eviction notices by the district administration. The authorities have given them 15 days to vacate the land before a full-scale eviction drive begins. The move is part of the state government’s intensified campaign against forest encroachment and illegal settlements.
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Assam Doboka forest eviction notices issued
Officials from the Hojai district administration stated that the notices were issued after a detailed survey conducted in coordination with the Forest Department. The survey identified several encroachments across the reserve forest area in Doboka. According to local sources, many of the families have been residing in the area for years, cultivating land and building small dwellings without official land documents.
Authorities claim that the eviction drive is necessary to restore the forest’s ecological balance and to implement conservation projects. Hojai Deputy Commissioner stated that the administration has followed all procedures before issuing the final notices. The families have been asked to vacate within 15 days, failing which eviction will proceed as per law.
Families appeal for government intervention
Many residents have expressed concern and requested reconsideration of the decision. They claimed that they have been living there for decades, some since before the creation of Hojai district. Several community leaders said they have applied for land rights under the Forest Rights Act and urged the government to review their cases before taking any drastic step.
A local villager shared that most of the families depend on agriculture for survival and have nowhere else to go. Social activists and local organizations have called for dialogue between the administration and the affected families. They urged the government to ensure a humane approach and provide rehabilitation measures if eviction becomes unavoidable.
Government’s stance on forest protection
The Assam government has launched multiple eviction drives across forest reserves in recent months. Officials stated that reclaiming encroached land is vital to stop deforestation and illegal occupation. The government aims to recover thousands of hectares of land under forest jurisdiction and prevent further encroachments.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has repeatedly emphasized that the state will not compromise on forest conservation. He stated that such eviction drives are necessary to protect Assam’s natural resources and to maintain ecological stability. The government also mentioned plans to plant trees in reclaimed areas to revive green cover lost due to encroachment.
Assam Doboka forest eviction set to begin soon
The eviction drive in Doboka is expected to start shortly after the 15-day deadline expires. Security arrangements are being discussed to ensure a peaceful process. Police and forest guards will likely be deployed in the area to maintain law and order during the operation.
District officials mentioned that the eviction would be carried out phase-wise to minimize disturbance. They also highlighted that the government may provide temporary relief measures to the affected families depending on the situation.
Environmental and social implications
Environmentalists have supported the administration’s initiative, saying that forest land must be preserved to protect biodiversity. They believe unchecked encroachments have led to the depletion of forest cover and threaten the survival of native species.
However, social workers have raised concerns about the humanitarian side of the operation. They argue that while forest conservation is essential, evictions should include a proper rehabilitation plan to prevent homelessness. Experts also warned that a sudden displacement of such a large number of people could lead to social unrest if not managed sensitively.
Dialogue and future course of action
Talks between civil society groups, district authorities, and the affected families are expected in the coming days. Several organizations have appealed for a balanced solution that protects both people’s rights and the environment.
Government officials have maintained that they will consider genuine claims under the Forest Rights Act. They assured that eviction will target only those who have settled illegally without proper authorization. The administration has urged residents to cooperate with the process and vacate voluntarily within the given time frame.
As the 15-day deadline approaches, tensions remain high in Doboka. The coming weeks will determine how the situation unfolds and whether the government can strike a balance between environmental conservation and social justice.
The Assam Doboka forest eviction marks another significant step in the state’s ongoing campaign against forest encroachment. Authorities hope this action will set an example for future conservation efforts while minimizing conflict on the ground.
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