Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday shared an update on Assam’s anti-encroachment efforts, stating that over 1,19,548 bighas (around 160 sq km) of land have been reclaimed from illegal settlers between 2021 and 2026. Speaking at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Dispur, he said the recovered land includes reserved forests, wildlife sanctuaries, grazing areas, and religious land.
Sarma dismissed claims that evicted land was reoccupied or handed to others, saying forest regeneration is underway and wildlife is returning. In Goalpara’s Paikan and Athiabari Reserve Forests, over 260 hectares were cleared in 2024, and elephants have since returned. In Lumding Reserve Forest, 1,410 hectares were reclaimed in 2021, and sightings of elephants, leopards, and snakes have increased.
Other major clearances include 2,112 hectares in Burachapori Sanctuary, 1,750 in Pabha Reserve Forest, and 2,899 in Orang Tiger Reserve. Sarma emphasized that these efforts are reviving habitats and restoring ecological balance. He assured continued protection, with the Forest Department set to release future action plans.
