739 bighas of public land under encroachment in Central Guwahati: Assam govt

Itanagar, India Jul 11, 2026 ALN: The Assam government has informed the Assembly that around 739 bighas of government land in the Central Guwahati Legislative Assembly Constituency are under encroachment. This situation raises significant concerns regarding land management, urban planning, and the socio-economic dynamics of the region.

Responding to an unstarred question posed by MLA Vijay Kumar Gupta, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta stated that, according to a report submitted by the Kamrup Metro District Commissioner, 739 bighas, 3 kathas, and 18 lessas of government land are encroached upon in various parts of the constituency. The term 'bigha' is a traditional unit of measurement used in Assam and other parts of India, where one bigha is approximately equal to 0.33 acres. Given this context, the encroachment of such a substantial area of land raises questions about the effectiveness of land governance and enforcement mechanisms in place.

The encroached areas include Birubari, Srimantapur, Rupnagar, Aryanagar, Bishnupur, Ujjalnagar, Nizarapath, Jonakipath, Milonpath, Shantipur Hillside, Shantipur, Bhootnath, Durga Sarovar, Panbazar, Kamalnagar, and regions near Barsapara Stadium, among others. Each of these neighborhoods has its own unique characteristics and demographics, which may influence the reasons behind encroachment. For instance, some areas may have experienced rapid urbanization, leading to a demand for housing that outpaces available land. Others may have seen informal settlements arise due to economic necessity, where residents seek shelter in the absence of affordable housing options.

The Minister also provided details regarding the available government land within the Central Guwahati constituency. According to the report, the constituency has a total of 1,919 bighas, 3 kathas, and 3 lessas of government land, along with 77 bighas, 4 kathas, and 7 lessas of Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) land, and 2,537 bighas, 4 kathas, and 9 lessas of forest land. Notably, there is no Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) land available in the constituency. This distribution of land types indicates a variety of land uses, from residential to agricultural and ecological, which must be carefully managed to prevent further encroachment and to ensure sustainable development in the region.

This information was presented to the House in response to the unstarred question regarding the availability of government land and the extent of encroachment in Central Guwahati. The disclosure of this data is crucial for lawmakers and local authorities as they consider future land use policies and strategies to address encroachment. It also highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to land management that balances development needs with the rights of existing residents.

The revelation comes amid a series of eviction drives conducted by the district administration in various parts of Guwahati under the current state government. These drives are part of a broader initiative to reclaim public land that has been encroached upon, ensuring that it is returned to government control for public use and development. However, such actions are often met with mixed reactions from the community, particularly those who may have settled on the land for many years.

In one of the recent operations, the Railway Department demolished over 200 huts allegedly constructed on railway land in Jalukbari to clear space for railway infrastructure expansion projects. This particular case illustrates the tension between infrastructure development and the rights of individuals who may be living in informal settlements. The government's push for infrastructure improvements is crucial for economic growth and connectivity, yet it raises ethical questions about displacement and the provision of alternative housing solutions for those affected.

Authorities have also undertaken anti-encroachment drives in areas such as Birubari and Azara in recent months to reclaim government and public land for infrastructure and development works. These efforts are part of a larger strategy to enhance urban planning and ensure that land is utilized efficiently for the benefit of all residents. However, the success of these initiatives largely depends on the government's ability to engage with communities, provide adequate support for displaced individuals, and develop long-term strategies that address the root causes of encroachment.

Encroachment on public land is not an isolated issue in Guwahati; it reflects a broader trend observed in many urban areas across India, where rapid population growth, urban migration, and inadequate housing policies contribute to informal settlements. The challenge for the Assam government lies in balancing the need for urban development with the rights and needs of marginalized communities. This requires a multifaceted approach that includes legal, social, and economic considerations, as well as active participation from local residents in the decision-making process.

The issue of land encroachment is particularly critical in the context of Guwahati, which has been experiencing rapid urbanization over the past few decades. As the largest city in Assam, Guwahati has seen an influx of people from rural areas seeking better employment opportunities and living conditions. This migration has led to increased pressure on existing infrastructure and housing, often resulting in informal settlements as individuals and families seek affordable living spaces.

Moreover, the encroachment issue is compounded by the lack of effective land use policies and urban planning frameworks that can accommodate the growing population. Many urban planners argue that without a strategic approach to land management, cities like Guwahati will continue to face challenges related to housing shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and increased social tensions.

In addressing these challenges, the Assam government must consider a range of solutions. These may include the development of affordable housing projects, the implementation of stricter land use regulations, and the promotion of community engagement initiatives that empower residents to participate in urban planning processes. Additionally, the government could explore partnerships with non-governmental organizations and community-based groups to facilitate housing solutions for those affected by encroachment drives.

In conclusion, the report of encroachment in Central Guwahati highlights significant challenges facing urban governance in Assam. As the government grapples with these issues, it must consider not only the immediate need to reclaim land but also the long-term implications for urban planning, community relations, and social equity. Effective land management strategies, combined with a commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, will be essential in addressing the complexities of urban encroachment and fostering sustainable development in Guwahati. The path forward will require collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, and residents themselves, to create a more inclusive and sustainable urban environment.