Skip to content Skip to navigation

Save Geleki Forest: Locals Demand Action Against Encroachers

By SK Hasan |

The Geleki Reserved Forest in Assam, once a thriving ecological zone, is now under grave threat due to rampant encroachments by tea estates and authorities from neighbouring Nagaland. Despite statewide eviction drives against land grabbers, the Assam government has failed to address this long-standing issue, raising serious concerns among locals.

Declared a reserved forest in 1918, Geleki covered a total area of 5,137 hectares. Today, more than 4,000 hectares are reportedly under illegal occupation. Tea estates such as Borchila, Athkhel, Geleki, Amguri, and Tipuk have allegedly taken over large tracts of land. In addition, authorities from Nagaland are accused of gradually encroaching into the forest and disputed border areas.

Residents and activists argue that while the government has acted swiftly against local encroachers elsewhere in Assam, it has remained conspicuously silent on these large-scale occupations. The alleged encroachments by powerful tea gardens and cross-border entities are believed to be happening with the government’s knowledge, leading to accusations of selective action and negligence.

“The inaction of the government is emboldening encroachers and endangering the forest. If immediate steps are not taken, the consequences will be irreversible,” warned concerned locals, who have appealed directly to Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma for intervention.

The Geleki Reserved Forest is home to rich biodiversity and plays a critical role in maintaining ecological balance in the region. Environmentalists caution that continued destruction of the forest will not only disrupt wildlife habitats but also worsen the environmental crisis faced by local communities.

Locals are demanding urgent eviction drives, restoration of encroached land, and stronger protection measures. They insist that safeguarding Geleki is not just an environmental concern but also a question of the government’s accountability.

  • 28698 reads

Add new comment

Other Contents by Author

1st Assam Police Battalion Celebrates Legacy and Service on Historic Anniversary

The 1st Assam Police Battalion, with a distinguished history dating back to its formation in 1942, recently marked a day of celebrations honoring its longstanding commitment to law enforcement, security, and disaster response. Originally formed as the Assam Rail Force during World War II, the battalion was officially established on July 15, 1942, as a vital Auxiliary Force. The anniversary festivities opened with a solemn tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. This was followed by a tree plantation drive to highlight the importance of environmental conservation. Throughout the day, several jawans were awarded certificates for exceptional performance...

Dimow Residents Take Road Repairs Into Their Own Hands Amid Government Neglect

In a striking act of self-reliance, residents of the Dimow constituency in Sivasagar district have begun repairing a severely damaged road in Mahkhowa Bari after years of government neglect. The road, which links Bokota’s Helikhaguri to West Bokota’s Chetia village and the Khamun area, has long been in disrepair, causing significant difficulties for locals. Despite numerous appeals to authorities, no action has been taken to fix the road, prompting residents to unite and carry out repairs themselves through voluntary labor. This community-led effort reflects their deep frustration with the government’s continuing apathy. Additionally, locals have voiced strong disappointment in their...

Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi Engages with Residents of Hahchara Gaon, Pledges Support

Sivasagar, Aug 30: Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi interacted with residents of Hahchara Chaudang Gaon during his ongoing Jan Jagran Yatra, which began on August 19. The yatra seeks to highlight and address key issues of the constituency, including healthcare, education, transportation, and other local concerns. During the visit, Gogoi raised concerns over the removal of eligible beneficiaries from the Arunoday Scheme in Cherekapar Panchayat and assured the people that he would take steps to reinstate them. He also pointed to the problem of artificial flooding in Doulakakhoria Panchayat under Nazira, promising to work towards a lasting solution. The MLA reiterated his commitment to stand...

Tense Situation in Sivasagar’s Cherekapar Panchayat as Women Protest Exclusion from Schemes

In Cherekapar village of Sivasagar, a tense scene unfolded on Thursday as close to a hundred women gathered at the panchayat office and laid siege to it in protest. Their voices rose together, demanding justice and fairness in the distribution of government welfare benefits. The women said that despite the Chief Minister’s public assurance that every woman holding a government ration card would be covered under the Arunoday scheme, many who had long depended on its support suddenly found their names missing from the list. This sudden exclusion, without explanation, has left several families in distress and anger simmering across the community. What began as quiet frustration turned...

Two Assam Kids Shine in National Yoga Sports Competition, to Represent India in Malaysia

Two young athletes from Assam, Avanish Gogoi and Ruchank Konwar, have brought laurels to the state by securing top positions in the National Yoga Sports Competition held at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Kochi, Kerala, on August 13–14. The event was organized by the World Fitness Federation of Yoga Sports. Avanish Gogoi clinched second position in the traditional yoga sports category for boys aged 5–9 years and also bagged the first position in the synchronized artistic team event. His teammate, Ruchank Konwar, secured fifth position in the same traditional category and also shared the first position in the synchronized team event. Both athletes train at Niramay Yoga Center,...

Allegations of Corruption in Road Construction at Lakshmijan of Nazira

The local residents of Lakshmijan in Nazira have raised allegations of corruption in the construction of a road in the area. The road, which is being built from the Geleky Lakshmijan Puja Mandap to the Assam-Nagaland border, has been criticized for its substandard quality. The contractor, identified as Borah, has been accused of carrying out the construction work without using any government-funded plaques. The local residents, led by the All Assam Adivasi Students' Association (AASA), have alleged that the contractor is working solely for personal gain, without adhering to the standard norms. The construction work has been halted due to the protests by the local residents, who are...

Bagless Day" Celebrated at Sanbasa Primary School of Nazira

As part of the "Bagless Day" initiative aimed at reducing the burden of school bags on students, the students of Sanbasa Primary School (No. 215) of Nazira organized a special market within the school premises on August 21. The market, which featured a variety of local products, was designed to provide students with practical life skills and a hands-on learning experience. The students showcased their entrepreneurial skills by selling various local products, including handicrafts and other items. The event was an excellent opportunity for the students to learn about commerce, teamwork, and financial literacy in a fun and interactive way. The "Bagless Day" initiative is part of a...

Massive Erosion by Dikhow River Threatens Nazira’s Bihubar and Simaulguri

Nazira, Aug 22: The Dikhow River continues to cause massive erosion in Nazira’s Bihubar and Simaulguri areas, leaving local residents in distress as land, property, and livelihoods remain under constant threat. In Bihubar Garumur Pujabasti, the erosion has intensified, yet the state government’s Water Resources Department has allegedly failed to respond despite repeated complaints. Locals have accused the department of negligence and warned that displacement of several families is imminent if urgent action is not taken. Adding to their concerns, residents alleged that illegal mining of stones and boulders in the Dikhow River has worsened the erosion problem. They demanded immediate...

Naga Encroachment Sparks Protest in Nazira: Congress Demands Immediate Action

Nazira, Aug 22: The Congress party staged a strong protest in Nazira today against alleged encroachment by Nagas in the Uriamghat and Naginimora areas along the Assam-Nagaland border. The sit-in demonstration, organized by the Nazira Block Congress at Gandhi Maidan, saw participation from key leaders including Debabrata Saikia, Leader of the Opposition and MLA from Nazira, and Ajay Kumar Gogoi, President of the Sivasagar District Congress Committee. The protesters raised slogans against the state government, accusing it of failing to safeguard Assam’s territory. They demanded immediate intervention to halt the alleged encroachment, warning that continued inaction could escalate...

Nazira villagers announce boycott of 2026 polls over govt neglect

In a dramatic move, residents of Ward No. 10 under Dulakakhoria Gaon Panchayat in Nazira, Sivasagar constituency, have announced that they will boycott the upcoming 2026 general election. The decision stems from what villagers allege is years of neglect by local authorities and elected representatives. The villagers said that despite repeated appeals, their problems remain unresolved. Artificial floods in the area have devastated trees and forests, creating an unhygienic and foul-smelling environment that poses serious health hazards. Accusing local authorities of indifference, the residents expressed disappointment with both Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi and Union Minister Pavithra...