Guwahati, Aug. 19 -- The Gauhati High Court has directed the families residing inside the Doyang and Nambar Forests in Assam's Golaghat district to vacate the forest area within seven days.

"We have already given an extended period to the appellants to make good their exit from the forest area. If the appellants do not leave the forest area within a further period of seven days, to be counted from today (August 18), the State would proceed against them for eviction," the Gauhati High Court said.

The High Court also directed the Assam government to ensure that a proper check mechanism is put in place, which would prevent any illegal entry in the reserved forest area.

Fifty-nine of the appellants had challenged the notices dated July 24,...