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Eviction Drive at Hasila Beel

Guwahati, June 19: The Assam government has announced the successful reclamation of 495 acres of government-designated wetland from long-term encroachment at Hasila Beel in Goalpara district.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared this update on social media, confirming that the eviction process was conducted legally and concluded on Wednesday.

He stated, "The Government of Assam has successfully completed a lawful eviction operation at Hasila Beel, recovering nearly 495 acres of wetland that had been encroached upon for years."

Sarma emphasized that this initiative reflects the government's dedication to safeguarding Assam's natural ecosystems while ensuring justice and legality in its actions.

He highlighted that Hasila Beel covers around 1,500 bighas, making it larger than the ecologically significant Deepor Beel near Guwahati, which has faced significant encroachment by illegal settlers over time.

The reclaimed area is anticipated to be restored and preserved as an essential ecological resource for the region.

Additionally, Sarma announced plans for a second phase of the eviction operation in Goalpara, targeting Rakhyasini Pahar in the Matia sub-division.

He remarked, "Having completed one eviction drive in Goalpara, we are now gearing up for the second phase at Rakhyasini Pahar, as I previously mentioned in the Assembly."

The Chief Minister noted that these initiatives to clear the state's wetlands and natural water bodies from encroachment have garnered support from the Opposition.

However, the Opposition has vehemently criticized the government's actions in the district, labeling them as "inhumane."

During a visit to the eviction site at Hasila Beel, a nine-member Congress delegation condemned the ongoing eviction drive, asserting it was not only unlawful.

Congress leader Rekibuddin Ahmed expressed concerns to the media, stating that the eviction has rendered over 700 families—more than 4,000 individuals—homeless, describing the situation as a humanitarian crisis.

In the meantime, the affected families are urgently seeking assistance and immediate rehabilitation from the government.