GUWAHATI: On February 28, Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of Assam, declared that Silsako Lake, in Guwahati, would soon be the city's largest lake.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, posted a message on his Twitter account saying, "A stunning model of the projected Silsako lake has been designed, and it would contribute to the scenic grandeur and ease the perennial artificial flooding in Guwahati."
It should be noted that on February 27, authorities in Guwahati forcibly removed some 300 native households and destroyed two temples as part of the ongoing campaign by the Himanta Biswa Sarma administration to prevent the encroachment of public land in Assam.
At least 1,000 police officers were stationed at Silsako Beel in Guwahati to clear up 132 acres of allegedly encroaching land.
Both a temple honouring Lord Shiva and the goddess Durga were demolished.
Unhappiness has naturally resulted from the drive, which was organised by the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA).
After taking office in May 2021, the Himanta Biswa Sarma administration has conducted eviction drives in a number of Assam locations.
There have been several significant eviction operations over the previous three months, during which temples, mosques, and madrassas have also been demolished.
The Durga temple's keeper, Nipen Kalita, while interacting with the media stated that, "I've been looking after the temple for the past 20 years.
It has become more difficult for us to survive since the demolition. As the bulldozer destroyed the temple, the Durga idol was inside the building. We lacked the time to shield her.”
A Silsako Beel resident named Anil Kalita claimed to have been victimised. He said “the GMDA guaranteed me that my house wouldn't be demolished when I bought the site in 1999. Since 2002, I've been paying my property taxes and utility bills. My name is Kalita. The government will now determine if we are Pakistanis or Bangladeshis.”
Also Watch: