Guwahati, Feb 21: The Gauhati High Court has directed the Assam government to provide potable water, basic medical care, sanitation, and food grains through fair price shops to families evicted from Hashila Beel wetland in Goalpara district in June 2025.

A bench led by Justice Devashish Baruah highlighted that the “right to life” includes living with dignity, access to clean water, sanitation, and essential healthcare. The order followed a writ petition by 60 affected individuals, who stated that 566 families, including children, have been living in destitution for over eight months on a small patta land plot without basic necessities, creating a “humanitarian crisis.”

Invoking the National Food Security Act, 2013, the court ordered immediate provision of drinking water, medical facilities, temporary sanitation arrangements, and adequate rations at fair price shops for eligible families presenting ration cards.

Authorities have been asked to submit affidavits by March 9 detailing compliance, with the District Commissioner of Goalpara addressing the petitioners’ access to basic necessities. The next hearing is scheduled for March 11.