Guwahati, 10 June (HS): In a significant ruling aimed at protecting Assam’s forest resources, the Gauhati High Court has directed all illegal occupants residing within the Lutumari Reserve Forest in Nagaon district to vacate the encroached land within 30 days.

Delivering the judgment while disposing of a batch of petitions, Justice Devashis Baruah observed that the larger public interest in environmental conservation and wildlife protection takes precedence over individual claims of occupation within protected forest areas.

The court instructed the encroachers to remove their belongings and arrange alternative accommodation within the stipulated period. It further directed the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) to disconnect electricity connections in the encroached areas immediately after the 30-day deadline.

The judgment authorizes the district administration to undertake an eviction drive if the occupants fail to leave voluntarily. The court also rejected the claims of the petitioners, stating that they could not establish any legal entitlement under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

The ruling is part of a broader judgment addressing encroachments in four reserve forests of Assam — Lutumari and Borpani in Nagaon district, Jamuna Moudanga in Hojai district, and South Nambor and Doyang in Golaghat district.

Additionally, the High Court clarified that reserve forest land cannot be diverted for infrastructure projects such as schools, anganwadi centres, community halls or roads without prior approval from the Central Government. The court also warned that any future encroachment or unauthorized occupation could attract action against officials responsible for protecting forest land.--------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash