HT Correspondent
BILASIPARA, Jan 8: The second phase of a large-scale eviction drive for the proposed thermal power project in Dhubri district was successfully carried out on Tuesday in the Bilasipara Co-district. The operation covered the areas of Charuabakhra, Santoshpur and Chirakuta, clearing nearly 4,000 bighas of land for one of the largest thermal power projects in Northeast India.
Following the first phase of eviction conducted in 2025, the second phase was carried out on January 6, 2026, on patta holdings in the three villages. During the drive, several patta-holder families were evicted and major brick industries, including Bhawan Brick Industry and Bharat Brick Industry located in Chirakuta, were demolished using bulldozers. After the demolition, the brick industry owners were seen in deep distress at the site.
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Khurshid Alam, owner of Bhawan Brick Industry, told the media that he had already approached the Gauhati High Court regarding the low amount of compensation offered. He stated that his case is currently under consideration in the High Court under Case No WP(C)/4318/2025. Similarly, the owner of Bharat Brick Industry informed that their case is also under consideration in the Gauhati High Court under Case No WP(C)/4321/2025.
It may be recalled that in 2025, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma had personally inspected the proposed project site at Charuabakhra on two occasions. Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani had also visited the site during that period. At the time, the Chief Minister had assured that brick industries situated on patta land would be provided three times the compensation after eviction. However, the affected industry owners alleged that instead of three times compensation, only two-and-a-half times compensation has been arranged and they have appealed to the government to revise and increase the compensation amount.
Meanwhile, the second phase of the eviction drive witnessed tense and emotional scenes at the sites. A deep sense of grief and resentment continues to prevail among the affected families and brick industry owners following the administrative action.
