Guwahati, July 21 (IANS) At least 1,000 families in Assam’s Dhubri district face uncertainty after the district administration initiated legal proceedings over the alleged encroachment of about 1,500 bighas of government khas land in the Alamganj area by issuing show‑cause notices to the occupants.
A senior official said the notices have been served under Rule 18(2) of the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation, 1886, asking the occupants to explain the basis of their possession of government land and produce documentary evidence supporting their claims.
The action primarily affects residents of the villages of Alamganj Part‑7 and Alamganj Part‑9 in the Gauripur Assembly constituency. The administration has directed all those occupying the land to submit valid ownership documents or other relevant records within 15 days of receiving the notice.
Officials argued that the exercise is part of the legal process to determine whether the occupants have any legitimate claim over the land. They added that every representation and document submitted during the stipulated period would be scrutinised before any further action is taken in accordance with the provisions of the law.
The notices have, however, sparked anxiety among the affected families, many of whom claim they were forced to relocate after repeated erosion caused by the Brahmaputra river destroyed their homes and agricultural land in the char areas of neighbouring South Salmara‑Mankachar district.
Several residents said they had settled on government land over the years after being displaced by river erosion and now fear eviction if they fail to establish their claims before the authorities. Many families also expressed concern that they may face difficulties in producing land‑related documents, stating that records of their original properties have either been lost due to repeated displacement or are no longer readily available for verification through local Gram Panchayat offices and revenue authorities.
With the 15‑day deadline now in force, uncertainty persists in the affected villages as residents gather available documents and prepare to respond to the notices.
The Dhubri district administration has maintained that the notices are part of a statutory verification process and reiterated that each case would be examined individually.
Officials said any subsequent action, including possible eviction, would be undertaken only after due consideration of the evidence produced by the occupants and strictly in accordance with the applicable legal provisions.
–IANS
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