Guwahati: Authorities demolished 73 houses in Goalpara, alleging that they stood on agricultural land and blocked natural water flow.According to Goalpara district administration officials, the drive covered five villages in Matia revenue circle – Kharija Manikpur, Khamar Manikpur, Bhojmala Part II, Jatsharbadi and Tengabari. Police teams have been deployed alongside district administration officials since Monday morning.Goalpara district commissioner Prodip Timung said, “They had been coming in and settling here overnight; many of them have constructed houses there. They are using agricultural land. We have no objection to them cultivating the land; but constructing houses needs certain rules and procedures to be followed.”Citing Urpad Beel in Agia, about 9 km from Goalpara town, Timung said similar construction around the wetland obstructed water flow, causing artificial flooding.“During the survey, residents complained that outsiders were benefiting from these agricultural lands. People have arrived from different places, including Darrang, Barpeta, Dhubri and Mankachar,” Timung also said.He added that Urpad Beel and Hahila Beel were being brought under the proposed reserve forest and reserve forest frameworks to protect them from encroachment.“We will take the next step regarding Kumri Beel. We also need to bring Baglamari forest under the PRF/RF framework soon. If we do not do this quickly, these areas too will gradually be encroached upon,” he added.
