Sarma visited Goalpara and Dhubri. These places have been restive following repeated recovery beef pieces.
The chief minister reviewed the law-and-order situation in Dhubri. He said, “We are also exploring the option to set up a permanent base of the Indian Army to strengthen the security apparatus in this sensitive district.”
He added, “Reviewed the prevailing law and order situation in Dhubri. Our zero-tolerance approach along with apprehending 150 anti-social elements is working but we are not lowering our guard against communal forces. People who are throwing beef in temples should remember that there are other types of meat that could hurt the sentiments of their community as well. Therefore, all communities should live together harmoniously and respect each other’s feelings.”
There were recent incidents of throwing beef in some Hindu religious places in districts like Dhubri, Goalpara, Lakhimpur and Hojai.The incidents this year took place just after the Eid-Ul-Zuha
Prohibited meat was recovered from the premises of the Hanuman Mandir in Ward No. 3, an incident which led to considerable tension and disturbance in the locality. Considering this, the Chief Minister undertook a visit to Dhubri on June 13 to take stock of the circumstances and review the law enforcement response.Sarmasaid that Monday meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, the Inspector General of Police (Law & Order), the District Commissioner of Dhubri, and the Senior Superintendent of Police. Together, they undertook a thorough assessment of the recent developments in the area. He noted that normalcy had been restored in the town and that efforts were ongoing to preserve the present conditions of peace and stability. He further added that land-related concerns affecting the town were taken up during the course of the meeting, and conveyed his belief that these issues would be gradually resolved.
In reference to the incident involving the recovery of prohibited meat from the premises of the Hanuman Mandir, the Chief Minister stated that those responsible had been identified. He said that the principal accused was currently absconding but expressed hope that the individual would surrender in due course.
Sarma stated in X, “Some opposition MLAs are troubled by the government’s campaign against encroachment because they themselves have illegally occupied public land”.
He added, “We are extensively using drones to survey encroached areas of Hahila Beel and take corrective measures. I tried my hands at operating one today to see the expanse of land we have freed from encroachers recently.”
Sarma visited the Hasila Beel in Goalpara district and took stock of reclaimed areas of the Beel. The Chief Minister inspected the eco-sensitive Hasila Beel following a recent eviction drive carried out by the district administration.
Highlighting the ecological significance of Hasila Beel, the Chief Minister stated that the government is preparing a master plan to develop parts of the wetland into an eco-tourism destination, while preserving the surrounding areas as a Proposed Reserve Forest. He further said the government is giving serious consideration to the restoration of Urpad Beel, Kumri Beel and Hasila Beel in Goalpara district, in view of their ecological value.
The Chief Minister noted that the reclaimed land would be conserved as a vital ecological asset of the state. Referring to the Cabinet approval on July 22, the Chief Minister said that the State Cabinet has approved the proposal to notify Hasila Beel area as a Proposed Reserve Forest (PRF) under Section 5 of the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891.
He said that this biodiversity-rich wetland, which supports rich flora and fauna plays a vital role in flood regulation, nutrient cycling, and maintaining hydrological balance. He also said that the Cabinet’s decision to conserve the Beel would sustain local communities through fisheries while protecting the aquatic ecosystem.
The Chief Minister also interacted with families evicted from the area and assured them that rehabilitation measures would be taken in accordance with government provisions.
State government undertook an eviction drive in the encroached land of Hasila Beel and reclaimed 495 acres of government notified wetlands from illegal encroachment.
