Assam, Aug. 1 -- Assam Chief Minister on Friday said that the ongoing survey and eviction drives across the state aim to free forest land from illegal encroachment. He stated that all Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to clear forest areas of encroachers while ensuring that indigenous tribal communities are allowed to stay under provisions of the Forest Act, as they are the original inhabitants.
The CM noted that although several eviction drives have already been carried out, removing all encroachers will take a minimum of 10 years due to the large number of illegal immigrants who have occupied forest land in different districts.
He reiterated the government's commitment to restoring forest areas and protecting the rights of indig...