HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, July 8: A massive eviction operation in Assam’s Dhubri district on Tuesday to clear over 3,500 bighas of government land for a proposed thermal power plant triggered tension and resistance in parts of Bilasipara sub-division, with violent incidents briefly interrupting proceedings.
The land is being handed over to the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) for onward transfer to the Adani Group to set up a 3,400 MW thermal power project in the Chapar revenue circle.
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The drive was carried out across three revenue villages—Santoshpur, Charuwabakhra, and Chirakuta—under the Chapar Circle, affecting more than 1,000 families, mostly Bengali-speaking Muslims.
District officials said about 1,069 families were residing in the area, though the number of those impacted may be higher, with some estimates suggesting up to 2,000 families.
Authorities said that over 90% of the residents had vacated the land voluntarily following prior notices, disbursal of ex gratia assistance, and visits by senior officials, including chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The eviction operation, described as one of the largest in the state, was launched early Tuesday with heavy deployment of armed police and over 100 bulldozers.
Though it began peacefully, violence erupted around noon when a section of locals allegedly attacked two excavators with sticks and bricks and attempted to confront the police.
Security forces responded with a baton charge, dispersing the crowd without any reported injuries to personnel. Two excavators were damaged in the incident.
Dhubri Deputy Commissioner Dibakar Nath said the incident stemmed from “some misunderstanding” linked to a delayed ambulance and circulating rumours.
“The situation was brought under control quickly and the operation resumed without further disruption,” he said.
Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, speaking to the media in Tamulpur on Tuesday, reiterated that eviction of encroached government land will continue across the state.
“About 90 per cent of the encroachers had already left the place. The eviction had to be carried out for only 10 per cent people… Our objective is that all encroached land in the state will be cleared so that it can be used for public good,” he said.
Sarma added that a similar eviction to clear reserve forest land in Goalpara district will be held on Thursday.
As per the administration, 3,500 bighas had been allotted to APDCL, with around 3,000 bighas encroached.
An area of 300 bighas in Baizar Alga, Athani revenue circle, has been identified for temporary resettlement of the evicted.
Each landless family has been sanctioned Rs 50,000 as ex gratia, with 350 cheques already distributed.
Nath also clarified that families holding legal pattas would be compensated as per government norms through a land acquisition process.
Despite this, many displaced families expressed distress and uncertainty over their future.
Some remained in the cleared area in makeshift tents, while others found temporary shelter with relatives.
“We are trying to maintain peace. Outsiders are instigating chaos,” said one evicted resident.
“Sir, you’ve taken 3,500 bighas of our land. Please return at least 500 bighas to us,” he pleaded.
Meanwhile, political tensions flared when Raijor Dal president and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi visited the site to meet the affected families.
He was stopped by police and later detained and removed from the area.
Before his detention, Gogoi alleged that the eviction was “illegal and unconstitutional,” claiming the matter was sub judice and had been stayed thrice by the Gauhati High Court.
He accused the government of targeting minorities under the guise of development. Gogoi was later released in Goalpara district and proceeded to attend a public meeting in Krishnai.
The affected families also questioned the suitability of the rehabilitation site near the riverbank, which they said was prone to erosion and not safe for settlement.
While the eviction concluded by Tuesday evening, concerns persist over the immediate future of the evicted families and the broader implications of large-scale land clearances for industrial projects in Assam.
The government, however, appears determined to press ahead with its policy of reclaiming encroached land for “public use” and development. (With inputs from PTI)
