The district administration in Assam's Lakhimpur has launched a massive anti-encroachment drive to clear government land of illegal occupations. During the operation conducted on Friday, authorities used bulldozers to demolish unauthorized structures and reclaim 19 bighas of land located in the number 1 and number 2 Professional Grazing Reserve areas of Boginadi. District officials stated that this land had been under unauthorized occupation for a long period, prompting the administration to step in and take decisive action.
Over 700 people residing on the contested land
According to the district administration, a total of 704 people belonging to 132 families were residing on the government property. The encroached zones not only featured permanent houses and various other constructions but also included a mosque and developed betel nut plantations. The administration executed this demolition drive only after officially serving prior notices to all the unauthorized occupants, giving them a designated time frame to vacate the premises voluntarily.
Bulldozers deployed after deadline expires
When the occupants failed to clear the land within the stipulated deadline, heavy machinery was brought in on Friday to raze the illegal structures and free the government plot. This operation forms a key part of the broader statewide campaign initiated by the Assam government to rid all public lands of illegal encroachments. The state maintains that land reserved for public and community utility cannot be allowed to remain under unauthorized occupation under any circumstances.
Significance of reserve land and upcoming drives
Professional Grazing Reserve and Village Grazing Reserve lands are specifically designated for community use, serving a vital role in conserving shared resources and maintaining ecological balance. Recognizing their importance, the local administration has lined up further actions to reclaim similar properties. As part of this ongoing initiative, anti-encroachment operations are scheduled to be carried out in the Koilmari and Borbil areas on November 14.
Strict stance by the district authorities
The District Commissioner has made it clear that illegal constructions on government land and encroachments on reserved PGR and VGR plots will not be tolerated under any conditions. Officials emphasized that the campaign to protect public and community assets from land grabbers will continue unabated across the region in the coming days to ensure proper utilization of state resources.
