Forest Department to Evict Encroachers from Reserved Forests in Hojai

The Forest Department is preparing a major eviction drive against illegal encroachments in forest areas of Hojai district, including the Jamuna Maudanga Reserved Forest. Officials said thousands of bighas of forest land have been encroached upon over decades for farming and settlements. A high-level team led by the special principal secretary of the Forest Department inspected the affected areas on December 11. Notices have been issued to over 1,200 families occupying more than 5,500 bighas, and authorities said the eviction may begin soon in coordination with the district administration.