Assam: Illegal mosque bulldozed in Nalbari Reserve Forest in Goalpara district

In the dense greenery of Assam's Goalpara district, a significant anti-encroachment drive has unfolded within the Nalbari Reserve Forest. 

The forest authorities, determined to reclaim the land from illegal occupation, have recently demolished an unauthorized mosque that stood among the trees. 

This action is part of a broader initiative by the Assam government to enforce forest conservation laws and protect its natural heritage.

The Nalbari Reserve Forest, once encroached upon by human settlements, has seen a substantial eviction effort led by the state. 

Speaking to the media, Forest official Tejas Mariswamy said, "Today the eviction drive in the Nalbari reserve forest will be completed...As per the state government's directive, we have be clear the encroachment and restore the jungle."

Further Mariswamy asserted that with the restoration of the jungle, the ongoing man-elephant conflict will be minimized.

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These efforts reflect the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP government's commitment to forest conservation, which has been marked by several such drives across Assam since May 2021. 

On the otherhand, locals residing in the reserve forest area have applied to the state government to stop the demolition of the mosque, however, the state government conducted the drive.

Locals claim that because the people in the area belong to the minority community, the state government did not offer any sympathy.

These operations have often resulted in clashes between security personnel and the local populace, leading to displacement and, in some instances, casualties. 

For instance, two individuals lost their lives during an eviction drive in Darrang district's Gorukhuti area in September 2021.

The demolition of the illegal mosque in the Nalbari Reserve Forest aligns with the government's stance on clearing government and forest lands of unauthorized constructions.

Chief Minister Sarma has been clear about the continuation of these drives for as long as the BJP remains in power in the state. This incident is a testament to the government's resolve to uphold environmental laws and regulations, ensuring the preservation of Assam's forests for future generations.