BTC Administration Takes Major Step to Evict Encroachers from Chikna Jwhwlao National Park; 75 Families to Be Rehabilitated
The Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) administration has initiated a major step to make Chikna Jwhwlao (Chiknajhar) National Park, located at Deushri along the India-Bhutan border in Chirang district, free from encroachment. The process of clearing the park of encroachments has begun with arrangements to rehabilitate residents of two newly established villages, namely New Hatisar and Karaibari, situated illegally inside the national park.
The initiative was launched on Thursday at Deushri in the presence of BTC Executive Member in charge of the Forest Department, James Basumatary; Council Member Nandalal Magar; BTC Secretary Karma Dev Brahma; Chirang District Commissioner Gokul Chandra Brahma; Chirang Divisional Forest Officer Kunjan Basumatary; and officials from the district administration and forest department.
As part of the rehabilitation initiative, the affected families will be provided land outside the national park. Each family will also receive four sheets of tin roofing and financial assistance of Rs 10,000. A total of 75 families will benefit from the initiative, including 30 families from New Hatisar village and 45 families from Karaibari village.
Speaking on the occasion, BTC Executive Member in charge of the Forest Department, James Basumatary, said the initiative was undertaken as the first step in accordance with the decision of the committee constituted by the Governor to make national parks free from encroachment and following the instructions of BTC Chief Executive Member Hagrama Mohilary.
Basumatary openly acknowledged the incidents of encroachment and forest destruction inside Chiknajhar National Park. He stated that extensive encroachment and large-scale destruction of forest areas had taken place during the tenure of the previous government. The present administration has now initiated efforts to restore the affected areas and protect the environment.
He further clarified that the initiative was not directed against any particular community or ethnic group. Everyone residing inside the national park would have to relocate, and the park would be completely cleared of encroachments. However, he assured that the affected families would not be evicted without compensation. The administration would ensure proper compensation and rehabilitation while safeguarding the national park.
He also stated that the forest conservation initiative was being carried out in accordance with government directives.
Meanwhile, Council Member Nandalal Magar welcomed the BTC Forest Department’s initiative to protect the forest areas. He appreciated the cooperation extended by the affected families in the rehabilitation process, stating that their willingness to cooperate was commendable.
He further said that protecting and preserving Chiknajhar National Park by making it free from encroachment was a collective responsibility and called for continued cooperation from all sections of society.
The BTC administration hopes that this initiative will help protect the park’s natural environment and forest resources while strengthening conservation efforts in the region.
