Despite ongoing state-level efforts to remove illegal encroachments, a long-standing case involving the Nazira government hospital remains unresolved for over two decades. The case centers around land belonging to the Nazira health centre—established in 1944—which continues to be illegally occupied even after repeated court interventions.
The hospital, located at the heart of Nazira town, caters to thousands of people from nearby areas. While locals have long demanded its upgrade to a full-fledged healthcare center, expansion efforts are obstructed by encroachment on hospital land. Residents blame the hospital’s managing committee for being weak and inactive, enabling this situation.
Background of the Land Dispute
The hospital stands on 4 bighas, 1 katha, and 13 lechas of land covered by Dag No. 571 and Plot Nos. 51 and 52 of Jangul Bari Grant under Nazira Mouza. This land was originally leased to the hospital by the Assam Company as per the 1968 sale agreement with ONGC.
The current encroacher, Parvati Karmakar Rabha, claims ownership of 3 kathas and 6 lechas within this hospital compound. She is the daughter of Sukhadev Karmakar, a former Grade IV employee (chowkidar) of the hospital who continued to occupy government quarters even after his retirement in 1997.
The controversy started in 2000, when the hospital tried to construct a boundary wall using funds provided by former Rajya Sabha MP Lt. Drupad Borgohain. Parvati intervened with a land document (putta) allegedly granting her ownership of the disputed portion. Her claim triggered public outrage, with many accusing the Nazira Circle Office of fraudulently issuing the document.
Legal Proceedings and Verdicts
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In 1999, Parvati filed a petition under the Assam Tenancy Act before the Assistant Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Sivasagar, who initially directed issuance of periodic putta for the land.
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Upon review, on June 27, 2000, the ADC amended the order, granting only 4 lechas of land to Parvati on humanitarian grounds.
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Parvati then challenged the revised order before the Assam Revenue Board, which dismissed her appeal on January 3, 2001, advising her to approach a civil court.
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The Civil Judge (Senior Division), G.K. Dutta, dismissed her petition on March 30, 2001, stating she failed to make a prima facie case for injunction.
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In a final move, Parvati filed a writ petition in Gauhati High Court, which was also dismissed on May 20, 2003, by Justice P.G. Agarwal.
Despite these legal setbacks, the encroachment remains. Court rulings clearly state that the ADC had no authority to issue land documents for hospital property, and Parvati’s claims were without legal merit.
Public Outcry and Official Silence
Repeated appeals from locals to reclaim the land have gone unheard. The hospital authorities, including the managing committee, have consistently failed to act. Even after multiple requests, hospital officials declined to provide any information on steps taken to resolve the issue.
Citizens of Nazira now question whether the same government, which champions slogans of protecting Jati, Mati, and Bheti (nation, land, and roots) through high-profile eviction drives, will finally act to reclaim the Nazira hospital’s land for public healthcare development.
With the hospital struggling to expand due to lack of space, public sentiment is growing stronger. People demand immediate eviction of the illegal occupant and restoration of hospital land for community benefit.
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