Overview
- Friday’s operation at Bhakatgaon in Rupahihat cleared 38 bighas of government and forest land, with roughly 80–100 families leaving their homes as some residents voiced concern over children’s exams.
- Authorities had served 15-day notices ahead of the drive, and officials reported that most occupants vacated before or during the clearance.
- More than 1,000 police personnel and four bulldozers were deployed, with senior district, police and forest officials supervising on site.
- The clearance follows a recent drive in the Lutamaari Reserve Forest where thousands of bighas were freed and nearly 1,700 families were identified for alleged encroachment.
- District Commissioner Devashish Sharma said upcoming phases will cover Salanibari, Ahom Gaon, Tuktuki, Roumari Beach, Mairadhwaj, Bechamari, Shalmabari and Akharbari Gelekni Beach.