Nagaon (Assam), 16 December (HS): A major eviction drive commenced on Tuesday in Dhing area of Nagaon district to reclaim encroached wetland areas. The four-day-long operation will cover nearly 230 bighas of land, with eviction activities initiated on the first day across three major wetlands.

According to officials, the drive targets more than 500 ponds that were allegedly created by converting natural wetlands by a section of people for fish farming over a long period. The administration stated that such alterations had disrupted the natural flow of water, resulting in artificial flooding and causing severe inconvenience to nearby residents.

The eviction operation is currently underway at Roumari Beel, Magurmari Beel, Moiradhaj, and Bherbhery Beel. As part of the process, embankments of the illegally created ponds are being dismantled to restore the original wetland structures.

District authorities said the eviction drive is aimed at protecting natural water bodies and preventing recurring floods in the area. The operation is being carried out under strict administrative supervision with adequate security arrangements in place.

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash