Guwahati: Activist and spiritual practitioner Satya Ranjan Borah has written to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma seeking immediate intervention over alleged illegal construction activities near the Hatishila (Elephant Stone) shrine at Chandrapur, claiming that the work poses a threat to the naturally formed Ganesha shrine as well as the eco-sensitive zone of the Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary.
In his letter, Borah alleged that large-scale construction was underway on a hilltop above the Hatishila site under the Chandrapur Revenue Circle, raising concerns over the safety of the centuries-old naturally formed stone structure worshipped as Lord Ganesha and the surrounding ecological landscape.
According to Borah, the naturally formed elephant-shaped stone structure is located around 9-10 km from the main city and has been revered by devotees for several hundred years. He said the site is popularly known as Hatishila (Elephant Stone) because of its resemblance to an elephant.
Borah alleged that over the past two to three years, a businessman identified as Ismailur Rahman had undertaken major construction work on the hilltop above the Hatishila shrine. He claimed that extensive hill-cutting and stone deformation were taking place, posing a risk to the natural rock formation and the shrine.
He further alleged that despite requests, the developer had failed to furnish an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and a soil test report. Borah also claimed that the project site falls within the eco-sensitive zone of the Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary.
Expressing concern over public safety, Borah alleged that continued alteration of the hill could increase the risk of rocks collapsing from the hilltop, which, he said, could damage the naturally formed stone structure worshipped as Lord Ganesha. He further claimed that such an incident could potentially lead to communal tension.
Borah also alleged that the project comprises three large building blocks and is proposed to be developed as a star-category hotel and resort. According to him, the third block is being constructed directly above the stone formation worshipped as Lord Ganesha. He expressed concern that sewage leakage, littering and other activities associated with the proposed project could adversely affect the sanctity of the place and disturb social harmony in the locality.
In his representation, Borah urged the Chief Minister to order a proper investigation, environmental impact assessment and scientific soil testing before allowing the project to proceed. He also requested that construction activities be halted until such assessments are completed and sought demarcation of the land boundary of the Hatishila Ganesha Temple.
Borah stated that he was not opposed to developmental activities and had no personal or communal agenda. He said his concerns were limited to the possible environmental degradation, risks to human life and the safety of the naturally formed elephant-shaped stone structure revered by devotees.