Hundreds of river erosion affected families evicted in Northeast India’s Assam

CDL Research Team / August 16, 2025

General Information

CountryIndia

Administrative AreaDhubri district, Assam

Displacement Details

Reason of DisplacementConflict-led

Year Started2025

Current StatusRehabilitated

Details of DisplacementIn July 2025, the Government of Assam undertook a large-scale eviction operation in the Chapar revenue circle of Dhubri district, targeting villages such as Charuwa Bakra, Chirakuta, and Santoshpur. The official rationale presented by the district administration was to reclaim approximately 3,000 to 3,500 bighas of government (khas) land, earmarked for the development of a proposed 3,400 MW thermal power project under the aegis of the Assam Power Development Corporation Limited (APDCL). The project has reportedly attracted interest from private sector entities, including the Adani Group, although formal contracts have yet to be awarded. The state’s position is that the cleared land would facilitate industrialization and bolster the state’s energy infrastructure. Estimates suggest that between 1,069 and 1,400 families—predominantly Bengali-speaking Muslims residing in riverine “char” areas—were displaced in the process. These families have historically occupied the land for decades, some allegedly without formal land titles but with long-term settlement patterns. Despite official claims that prior notice was issued and that up to 95% of residents vacated voluntarily following appeals by the Chief Minister, the operation was marked by resistance. A subset of residents contested the legality of the eviction, citing interim stay orders from the Gauhati High Court, which they claim were ignored or inadequately addressed by the state. The eviction operation escalated into confrontation on July 8, 2025. Protesters reportedly attacked earth-moving equipment with stones and sticks, damaging two excavators. In response, police forces deployed lathi charges to disperse crowds and ensure administrative control. Notably, a local mosque at Santoshpur was demolished, intensifying the emotional and political charge of the event. Members of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and civil society activists attempted to intervene or observe the situation but were detained by security forces. Akhil Gogoi, leader of the Raijor Dal and sitting MLA, was among those detained. In public statements, Gogoi characterized the eviction as a violation of fundamental rights and judicial orders. In the aftermath, the state government announced a one-time financial relief package of ₹50,000 per family. Approximately 400 to 1,069 families were reported to have received this sum. For those lacking legal land titles, the government proposed a temporary rehabilitation site comprising 300 bighas of land at Baizar-Alga in the Athani revenue circle. However, reports from the ground suggest that the implementation of this rehabilitation policy was uneven, and many affected individuals remain without secure shelter or livelihood alternatives. The eviction has been widely condemned by opposition leaders and civil society organizations. The Assam United Citizens’ Convention (AUCC), comprising academics, activists, and former bureaucrats, issued a strong statement criticizing the eviction as “cruel and unconstitutional.” They alleged that the action constituted a systematic attempt to dispossess minority communities under the guise of public interest.

Eviction Details

Displaced by Eviction?Yes

Reasons Behind EvictionEnergy generating establishment

Eviction FormalityFormal, with official notice

Environmental Information

Nature of DisplacementForced

Displacement Range (km)18.71 Km

Climatically Vulnerable ZoneYes

Name of the ZoneDhubri district, India

Primary Environmental HazardErosion

Population Impact

Number of People Displaced4200

Number of Households Displaced1400

Land Details – Origin

Type of Origin LandCommon

Total Area of Origin (Ha)468 hectares

Common Land (Origin)468 hectares

Private Land (Origin)None

Land Details – Destination

Type of Destination LandCommon

Common Land (Destination)40 hecatres

Private Land (Destination)None

Livelihood & Government Support

Pre-Displacement LivelihoodSubsistence farming, Livestock herding, Fishing or aquaculture, Small-scale business/trade, Daily wage labor, Artisanal work (e.g., crafts, weaving), None / Unemployed

Current LivelihoodDependent on aid/relief

Government HelpLimited

Help DetailsThe Assam government sanctioned a one-time ex-gratia payment of Rs 50,000 per family for those residing on state-owned (khas) land without legal title. District officials confirmed that several hundred cheques had already been distributed, particularly to those who vacated voluntarily before the eviction operation.

Rehabilitation SupportPartially

Rehabilitation DetailsAs of July 2025, the rehabilitation support provided by the Assam government to families displaced during the Dhubri eviction drive has been limited and insufficient according to both media reports and statements from community members. The Assam government offered a one-time ex-gratia cash payment of ₹50,000 per evicted family. This relief was intended for those occupying khas land (state-owned) without formal land titles. However, not all families received the payment. Many reported delays or exclusion from the distribution. For landholders with formal land pattas, a separate compensation process under land acquisition laws was promised but not completed as of July 2025.

Legal & Human Rights

Relevant Laws & PoliciesAssam Land and Revenue Regulation, 1886 and The Assam Land (Requisition and Acquisition) Act, 1964d

Legal Case Involved

Human Rights ViolationsYes

Violation DetailsThe eviction drive in Assam’s Dhubri district in July 2025 likely involved serious human rights violations. Over 1,000 families, many from marginalized Muslim communities, were displaced without adequate notice, alternative shelter, or livelihood support. The destruction of homes and farmland during monsoon season, with no proper rehabilitation, violated their rights to housing, livelihood, and dignity. Allegations of ignored court orders and lack of due process further point to breaches of both constitutional protections and international human rights obligations.

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