The Assam government is preparing for a major eviction drive in the Lutumari Reserve Forest, where nearly 5,962 bighas of protected forest land have been encroached upon. 

• The Nagaon district administration has completed surveys and issued notices to all occupants.
• Lutumari Reserved Forest comes under the Kampur Revenue Circle of Nagaon district.
• Declared a protected forest in 1919 under colonial forest laws, it is legally safeguarded under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, which prohibits settlement, agriculture, or construction inside reserved forests. 
• Despite this, large-scale encroachment has been recorded in areas such as Chankhola, Kandapar, Jurirpar, Medinipar, and Majgaon.
• Eviction Process and Administration Steps: The district administration had issued a three-month notice, later granting a short extension for paddy harvesting. 
  • The administration stressed that the drive is not community-specific, and notices have been served to all encroachers, including around 100 Assamese families.

Why Does Eviction Matters?

• Encroachment into reserve forests reduces wildlife habitat, increases human–animal conflict, obstructs natural drainage, and accelerates deforestation—factors critical in flood-prone Assam.
• The eviction is part of the State’s broader drive to protect forests, prevent land grabbing, and restore ecological integrity.

MCQ

Lutumari Reserve Forest is located in which district of Assam?

(a) Sonitpur                  (b) Nagaon

(c) Barpeta                   (d) Darrang

Answer: (b)

SOURCE