Post-Eviction, Assam CM Sees Economic Growth Potential in Dhubri’s Chapar Region

A day after the eviction drive in Chapar, Dhubri district, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed optimism about unlocking the region’s economic potential. The government aims to develop the cleared land for productive use, including agriculture and infrastructure. While the eviction has sparked debate, the state sees it as part of a broader plan to boost local development in one of Assam’s lesser-developed districts.

Focus on Economic Revival Post-Eviction

The Chief Minister stated that the cleared land in Chapar could now be put to use for economic growth. Plans reportedly include expanding agricultural activities, setting up public infrastructure, and encouraging investment in local industries.

Officials believe that the move will create employment opportunities for local youth and improve public services in the area, especially in a region that has long faced challenges related to poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited state presence.

Eviction Sparks Local Concerns

The eviction drive, which involved removing settlements from government land, has triggered emotional and social reactions. Residents displaced by the operation have raised concerns about rehabilitation, questioning where they will go and how they will rebuild their lives.

While the government maintains that prior notices were issued and that only encroached land was cleared, civil society groups have urged for humane rehabilitation measures and transparency in the resettlement process.

Why It Matters for Tier 2 and Rural Assam

Chapar, a semi-urban area in Dhubri, is similar to many Tier 2 and rural towns across India where land disputes, slow economic development, and migration challenges intersect. For the local population, access to land is not just about housing but also livelihoods — farming, cattle-rearing, or small businesses.

Government efforts to transform such areas into economic zones must strike a balance between development goals and social sensitivity, especially in regions where communities have lived on land for generations, even without formal titles.

Government’s Vision for Development

The Assam government is positioning Chapar’s cleared area as a pilot zone for turning underutilised land into productive assets. This aligns with its larger vision of improving rural connectivity, attracting private investment, and reducing dependency on traditional livelihoods.

Officials have also hinted at potential collaborations with agri-tech and infrastructure companies, which could help modernise farming practices and bring in new technologies.

Conclusion

The situation in Dhubri’s Chapar region highlights the complex relationship between development and displacement. As the Assam government pushes ahead with its economic vision, ensuring fair rehabilitation and inclusive planning will be crucial. For regions like Chapar, long-term progress will depend not just on cleared land, but on how it is used — and whether it benefits those most affected by the change.

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