India, Nov. 29 -- The Assam forest department on Saturday launched a fresh eviction drive in Nagaon district to clear nearly 1,700 families from Lutamaari Reserve Forest, a protected area that officials say has faced extensive encroachment over the past decade.

The eviction, carried out in coordination with the police and district administration, began early on Saturday morning with heavy deployment of security forces in the Lutamaari Reserve Forest, which has seen extensive encroachment over the past decade, according to officials.

Special chief secretary (forest) M.K. Yadava said the eviction was essential to restore forest cover and reduce conflict between humans and elephants in central Assam.

"Notices were served as per the court'...