Eviction drive launched in Assam’s reserve forest

Hundreds of security and forest personnel have been deployed for the removal of encroachments over a 500-hectare area under Pabha Reserve Forest in Assam’s Lakhimpur district.

Deputy commissioner Sumit Sattawan said around 500 families living illegally in the forest were issued eviction notices and almost all of them voluntarily brought down encroachments and moved elsewhere.

“Since most families have left, the drive would involve razing structures still standing in the area. The eviction is going smoothly, but since it is a big area, we expect to complete it by Wednesday evening,” Sattawan said.