Guwahati: On January 10, the district administration and the forest department collaborated in a coordinated effort to address the issue of illegal encroachment in Assam’s Goalpara district. The joint eviction drive specifically targeted 50 families residing in the Pancharatna Reserve Forest area, where they had unlawfully constructed homes and other structures on forest land. This operation is part of a broader strategy aimed at tackling the persistent challenge of unauthorized land occupation in the region.
Tejas Mariswamy, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) overseeing Goalpara district, underscored the ongoing commitment of the administration and the forest department to actively counter instances of illegal encroachment. The eviction initiative serves as a proactive measure to alleviate the increasing incidents of human-elephant conflicts, exacerbated by unauthorized settlements encroaching upon forested territories. The successful execution of this eviction drive reflects a comprehensive approach designed to curb illegal activities and promote harmonious coexistence between local communities and wildlife.
Mariswamy further highlighted that the Pancharatna Reserve Forest eviction is just one aspect of a broader strategy, indicating that additional eviction drives are planned for Goalpara district. These collective efforts are crucial not only for safeguarding the integrity of forest ecosystems but also for mitigating potential conflicts between humans and elephants, ensuring the sustainable balance of the region’s environmental landscape.
