Guwahati, Sept. 7 -- The Goalpara district administration on Monday conducted an eviction drive in five revenue villages under the Matia Revenue Circle, removing alleged encroachments from agricultural land and evicting 73 families.

The operation began at around 8 am in Harimura, Bhojmala Tengabari, Paschim Bhelakhamar, Kharija Manikpur and Jotsarwadi. Around 10 excavators were deployed for the drive, while a large police contingent was stationed in the area to maintain security.

According to the district administration, the families had allegedly occupied agricultural land and built houses without obtaining the required change in land classification. Officials also alleged that the blocking of natural drainage channels and waterways us...