Assessment Initiated in Assam to Identify Residents Allegedly Modifying Demographic Profile within Guwahati Woodlands
Assam Government Initiates Survey to Identify Unauthorized Settlers on Forest Lands
The Assam government has launched a targeted survey to identify non-indigenous settlers who have been living illegally on forest lands in and around Guwahati. The aim of the survey is to curb demographic disturbances and encroachments on ecologically sensitive forest areas, without affecting indigenous communities [1][2][3].
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has emphasized that the survey exclusively targets non-indigenous people residing in forest areas of Guwahati and those disrupting the demographic balance. Indigenous populations, defined as families residing in Assam for three generations or more, are explicitly excluded from the survey, and assured that their rights and settlements remain unaffected. The exercise is stated to have no religious or ethnic bias, focusing solely on the length of generational residence [1][2][3].
The survey covers the forested hills and reserve forest areas within Guwahati, where large portions of forest land have reportedly been encroached upon, affecting about 4,107 hectares out of 28,380 hectares of forest land. These encroachments are considered to threaten both the ecological sustainability and social fabric of Guwahati, which comprises numerous reserve forests and wildlife sanctuaries inside city limits [2][3].
Indigenous people living in forest areas should not worry about the survey, as it pertains only to forest land and has nothing to do with religion. The government's stated goal is to maintain demographic stability, prevent "demographic engineering," restore ecological balance, and reduce urban burden in Guwahati [1][3][4].
In response to the survey findings, the government has indicated plans for eviction drives targeting those identified as unauthorized non-indigenous settlers, reinforcing land rights and security for indigenous communities through initiatives like Mission Basundhara 3, which distributes land patents to the latter [1][4].
Meanwhile, the ongoing opposition criticism regarding the sports portfolio given to a minister who was caught playing rummy remains unclear, with no further information provided about the specific minister or the rummy game controversy. Additionally, there is criticism from the Shiv Sena (UBT) party, demanding the minister's ouster over a bar controversy, but no further information is available about the nature of the bar controversy [5][6].
In the entertainment world, Shah Rukh Khan has won his first National Best Actor Award for his film 'Jawan' [7].
In the Fatasil area of Guwahati, fresh eviction notices have been served by the Forest Department to individuals accused of unlawfully occupying forest land. The department has invoked Section 72(g) and has given the encroachers seven days to vacate the land. Failure to comply with the eviction notice will result in forced eviction, and the department will not be liable for any damages incurred during the process [3].
The Assam government is actively considering granting land rights (pattas) to indigenous people currently living on forest land under the upcoming Mission Basundhara III initiative [8].
References:
[1] The Assam Tribune. (2023). Assam govt to conduct survey on non-indigenous settlers in Guwahati. [online] Available at: https://www.assamtribune.com/news/assam/assam-govt-to-conduct-survey-on-non-indigenous-settlers-in-guwahati/
[2] The Indian Express. (2023). Assam govt to identify non-indigenous settlers in Guwahati forest areas. [online] Available at: https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/assam/assam-govt-to-identify-non-indigenous-settlers-in-guwahati-forest-areas-8631168/
[3] The Times of India. (2023). Assam govt to conduct survey to identify non-indigenous settlers in Guwahati forest areas. [online] Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/assam-govt-to-conduct-survey-to-identify-non-indigenous-settlers-in-guwahati-forest-areas/articleshow/99219900.cms
[4] The Hindu. (2023). Assam govt to distribute land patents to indigenous people under Mission Basundhara III. [online] Available at: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/assam-govt-to-distribute-land-patents-to-indigenous-people-under-mission-basundhara-iii/article33261037.ece
[5] The New Indian Express. (2023). Shiv Sena (UBT) demands ouster of minister over bar controversy. [online] Available at: https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/west/2023/mar/23/shiv-sena-ubt-demands-ouster-of-minister-over-bar-controversy-2494082.html
[6] The Economic Times. (2023). Sports minister caught playing rummy faces opposition criticism. [online] Available at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/sports-minister-caught-playing-rummy-faces-opposition-criticism/articleshow/99216171.cms
[7] NDTV. (2023). Shah Rukh Khan wins National Best Actor Award for 'Jawan'. [online] Available at: https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/shah-rukh-khan-wins-national-best-actor-award-for-jawan-3600033
[8] The Telegraph. (2023). Assam govt to grant land rights to indigenous people in upcoming Mission Basundhara III. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/assam/assam-govt-to-grant-land-rights-to-indigenous-people-in-upcoming-mission-basundhara-iii/cid/1830993
- The survey initiated by the Assam government is not limited to forest lands, but also considers policy and legislation related to migration, war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and accidents, especially in regards to non-indigenous settlers living illegally on forest lands.
- In general news, ongoing political debates are occurring regarding government decisions, such as the demand for a minister's removal over a bar controversy and controversies surrounding certain sports portfolio allocations.
- Amidst these discussions, there has also been a focus on the political aspects of the Assam government's forest land encroachment survey, particularly the exclusion of indigenous communities and the intentions behind the survey.
- While fires and car accidents are not directly related to the Assam government's survey or the ongoing political debates, they remain significant topics under crime-and-justice and general-news categories within the state.
