ForestLand – Assam Plans Eviction Drive Across Encroached Areas
ForestLand – The Assam government has identified nearly 26 to 27 lakh bighas of forest land across the state that are currently under encroachment, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday. Addressing reporters, he explained that this figure is expected to decline once land rights of eligible indigenous residents are formally recognized.
Encroached Forest Areas Under Review
According to the Chief Minister, the area requiring eviction could reduce to around 20 lakh bighas after the regularisation process is completed. He noted that the government has already cleared 1,25,326 bighas of forest land from unlawful occupation in earlier phases of action.
Sarma emphasized that the state retains the authority to grant land rights to indigenous communities, even when such land falls within forest boundaries. He assured eligible residents that there was no reason for concern, stating that the government would accelerate the issuance of forest pattas to rightful claimants.
Supreme Court Sets Procedure for Eviction
The Chief Minister said the process of eviction had gained clarity following a recent order by the Supreme Court. On Tuesday, the court directed the formation of a committee comprising officials from the forest and revenue departments to examine cases of alleged encroachment.
As per the court’s directive, the committee must issue notices to individuals accused of occupying forest land without authorization. Those receiving notices will be given an opportunity to present documents or evidence supporting their claim to the land.
The court specified that eviction measures should only proceed after a thorough review confirms that the land falls within a reserved forest area and that the occupation is indeed unlawful. If an individual is found to be residing within revenue limits rather than a notified forest zone, their case will be transferred to the revenue department for further consideration.
In cases where unauthorized occupation is confirmed within a reserved forest, authorities must issue a detailed written order. The concerned individual will be given 15 days to vacate the land before any physical removal takes place. The court disposed of a batch of related petitions while issuing these guidelines.
State Government to Notify Committee
Calling the court’s order a significant development for Assam, Sarma described it as a major step toward protecting forest resources. He said the state government would formally notify the committee without delay.
The government, he added, has also prepared a forest restoration plan for areas that will be cleared following eviction. The focus will be on reclaiming degraded forest land and restoring ecological balance in affected zones.
Assam Tea Exports See Sharp Growth
Alongside the update on forest land, the Chief Minister highlighted encouraging trends in the state’s tea sector. He said Assam recorded a 40 million kilogram rise in tea exports during the 2025–26 financial year.
Total tea production in the state increased by 50 million kilograms compared to the previous cycle. Around half of this growth came from orthodox tea, reflecting a shift in production patterns.
Sales figures also showed improvement. Overall tea sales rose by 19 million kilograms. At the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre, orthodox tea sales doubled, climbing from 4.19 million kilograms to 9.15 million kilograms.
Sarma attributed part of this momentum to a state subsidy of Rs 10 per kilogram for orthodox tea. The incentive, he said, has encouraged several tea estates to transition from CTC tea manufacturing to orthodox varieties, which often attract higher demand in international markets.
Looking ahead, the Chief Minister expressed optimism about future trade prospects. He pointed to India’s free trade agreements with the European Union and the United Kingdom, as well as anticipated tariff advantages under a new agreement with the United States. These developments, he said, could help restore the global prominence of Assam tea in the coming years.