Guwahati Authorities Demolish Commercial Structures Near Airport

Guwahati: The Kamrup district administration conducted a major eviction drive on Monday near the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. Officials demolished approximately 50 shops and commercial structures in the Azara locality, citing that the buildings were illegally constructed on agricultural land.

Revenue Department officials supervised the operation, which utilized bulldozers to clear the site under police protection. The administration stated the action was necessary to enforce land-use regulations because the properties were being used for commercial purposes despite their agricultural designation.

The demolition sparked protests from local business owners and residents who claim the land was held under periodic patta, or myadi patta, status. Many traders argued that the authorities failed to provide formal warnings or adequate time for them to relocate their businesses.

Affected shop owners expressed frustration over the sudden loss of their livelihoods, noting that years of work were destroyed in a short period. Reflecting on the impact of the operation, one affected individual stated, "Years of investment and business activity were erased within a few hours." The administration continues to defend the move as a necessary measure to stop unauthorized commercial expansion on agricultural zones.