Guwahati, 22 October (HS): The Assam government has reclaimed around 530 hectares of forest land from illegal encroachment in the Lutumai and Borpani Reserved Forest areas under the Nagaon Forest Division following an eviction drive conducted by the Forest Department and the district administration.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the development in a social media post on Wednesday night, stating that the second phase of the eviction operation had been successfully completed after following the due legal process.

The drive began on Wednesday morning and continued until late evening, targeting illegally occupied forest land in the two protected forest areas.

According to the Chief Minister, the first and second phases of the eviction operation have together resulted in the recovery of approximately 1,200 hectares of forest land from encroachment.

He described the achievement as a significant step towards wildlife conservation, particularly in protecting elephant habitats and movement corridors.

Emphasising the importance of safeguarding forest areas, Sarma said protecting forest land was essential for preserving wildlife and the state's natural heritage.

He reiterated that the state government's drive to reclaim encroached forest land would continue in the coming days as part of its commitment to forest and wildlife conservation.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash