Guwahati: In the face of Opposition and criticism from certain leaders and groups, the Assam Government remains unwavering in its commitment to reclaim encroached forest and Government land. Recent eviction drives, despite controversy, have yielded positive results for wildlife conservation in the State. Notably, the Bura Chapori and Laokhowa forest sanctuaries in Nagaon and Sonitpur districts stand out as success stories.
Rhinos, once absent from these sanctuaries due to encroachment, have made a remarkable return following extensive anti-encroachment efforts.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to social media to share the exciting news, stating, “Happy to share that after 40 years, our iconic rhinos have returned to Laokhowa and Bura Chapori within one year of our successful anti-encroachment operation in the region. 51.7 square km of forest cover was retrieved from the evictions in 2023.” These sanctuaries had faced significant encroachment issues, prompting a decisive anti-encroachment drive by the government. The successful eviction operation, spanning four days in February 2023, cleared 1,892 hectares of land in Bura Chapori. This sanctuary, once a thriving habitat for elephants, deer, birds, tigers, and one-horned rhinos, had been transformed into a mini township over four decades, with dozens of villages established within its bounds.
Surprisingly, the process unveiled a history of Government patronage toward the encroachers. Bulldozers not only dismantled illegal settlements but also erased Government infrastructure, including schools, anganwadi centres, and health facilities allotted by previous Congress Governments.
Senior BJP MLA Mrinal Saikia exposed the political dynamics, asserting that the encroachment had been endorsed by the previous Congress Government. The then-forest minister himself allowed illegal settlers to occupy the sanctuary, citing their electoral significance. Saikia claimed that during the Congress tenure from 2001 to 2016, the encroachment reached its zenith, strategically settling hundreds of illegal Bangladeshi families to strengthen the Congress vote bank.
Moreover, the Congress Government not only patronised but actively facilitated encroachment by constructing roads, providing electricity connections, and establishing educational and healthcare facilities for the settlers. Records from the Assam land and revenue department reveal a significant increase in encroachers, growing from a few families in the ’80s to over 2,500 families in 40 years, with a total population exceeding 12,000 people.
The recent success in reclaiming these sanctuaries through anti-encroachment drives not only restores the natural habitat for wildlife but also underscores the need for responsible governance and conservation efforts. Assam’s commitment to preserving its unique ecosystems is exemplified by the return of rhinos to Bura Chapori and Laokhowa, marking a significant victory in the ongoing battle against encroachment. This victory serves as a crucial reminder of the delicate balance between development and environmental preservation that every Government must navigate.
Moreover, the Congress Government went beyond mere patronage, actively constructing roads, providing electricity connections, and establishing educational and healthcare facilities for the encroachers. Records from the Assam Land and Revenue Department reveal a significant increase in the number of encroachers, growing from a few families in the 80s to over 2,500 families in 40 years, with a total population exceeding 12,000 people.
The recent success in reclaiming these sanctuaries through anti-encroachment drives not only restores the natural habitat for wildlife but also underscores the need for responsible governance and conservation efforts. Assam’s commitment to preserving its unique ecosystems is exemplified by the return of rhinos to Bura Chapori and Laokhowa, marking a significant victory in the ongoing battle against encroachment.
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