Encroachments Cleared as Eviction Drive Paves Way for ₹92-Crore Hatsingimari–Mankachar Road Reconstruction

The district administration on Thursday carried out an eviction drive against illegal encroachments along the Hatsingimari–Mankachar connecting road in South Salmara–Mankachar district, clearing land on both sides of the Public Works Department (PWD) road to pave the way for reconstruction work.

The eviction operation followed earlier notices issued on January 28, directing encroachers to vacate 30 feet of land on either side of the road. While some occupants had voluntarily cleared the encroached land within the stipulated period, others failed to comply. With the seven-day deadline expiring, the administration proceeded with the eviction on the ground.

The drive was conducted in the presence of the Mankachar Circle Officer, engineers from the Public Works Department, officials of the Forest Department, and teams of police personnel. A one-hour ultimatum was issued to remaining encroachers before the operation began, and JCB machines were deployed to remove illegal structures.

The eviction is part of preparations for the reconstruction of the long-neglected Hatsingimari–Mankachar road, for which the government has sanctioned ₹92 crore under the Asom Mala 3.0 scheme. The tender process for the project has already been completed, and construction work is expected to begin soon.

Although the eviction notices required clearance of 30 feet on both sides, the administration has demarcated a total width of 99 feet along the road to prevent any future encroachments and ensure that no construction activities take place on the designated road land.

Local residents, who had long demanded the rebuilding of the dilapidated road, expressed hope that the clearance would expedite the start of reconstruction and improve connectivity in the region.

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