GUWAHATI: An eviction drive was carried out on Friday, June 5 at Surabala Bordoloi Nagar and a neighbouring road near RK Mission Road in Guwahati's Birubari area, affecting more than 30 houses, according to local residents.
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Residents alleged that they were not given adequate prior notice before the demolition. Several claimed that officials visited the locality only a day before the operation and carried out the eviction drive the following day.
Speaking to GPlus, a 22-year-old resident who was born and brought up in the area said that families have regularly paid utility bills and were assigned house numbers by the concerned departments. He questioned why some houses were demolished while others were spared.
Another resident, a woman whose son is set to appear for examinations from June 10, expressed distress over the situation. She said the family has been left without a place to stay and is worried about how her son will prepare for his exams amid the uncertainty.
Speaking to GPlus, Guwahati Revenue Circle Officer Manoj Dutta said the eviction process stems from a long-pending case and that the land in question is government-owned. He stated that notices had been issued to the occupants on several occasions before the drive was conducted.
Dutta further said that the affected structures do not meet the eligibility criteria under the Assam Land Policy. Responding to questions about why some houses were not demolished, he explained that certain occupants possess legal documents, and therefore their cases are being considered separately.
He also stated that eligible affected families would receive a rehabilitation grant of ₹5 lakh from the government.