Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court has issued notice to the Centre as well as the Assam government over the ambitious Maa Kamakhya Corridor project, admitting a petition challenging its potential impact on the historic Kamakhya Temple’s heritage and the surrounding ecological balance.
The petitioner, Navajyoti Sarma, a Bar deuri associated with the Kamakhya Temple, has challenged the project’s viability due to the apparent lack of proper environmental impact assessments.
The Bardeuri Samaj, representing the temple’s interests, has expressed concern over the large-scale demolition and reconstruction work inherent to the project.
They argue that such activity could significantly damage the historical and cultural significance of the temple complex.
A crucial aspect of their argument centers around the underground aquifer system that connects the Kamakhya Temple with other temples on Neelachal Hill. The petition pointed out the critical role these streams play in religious rituals and the overall sanctity of the temple.
A major point of contention in the case is the alleged lack of proper safeguards for the temple complex. The petitioner argues that the temple and surrounding areas are not designated as protected monuments under relevant archaeological acts, leaving them vulnerable during construction.
Advocate Upamanyu Hazarika, representing the petitioner, pointed out that neither the Maa Kamakhya Temple nor its surrounding structures have been designated as protected monuments under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, or the Assam Monuments and Records Act, 1959.
Further bolstering their argument, the petition emphasizes the absence of thorough hydrological and ecological surveys before commencing construction. This raises concerns about potential damage to the aforementioned underground water source, which is irreplaceable for performing rituals.
The court on Wednesday issued notices to all respondents, including the Union Government, the State Government, the Archaeological Survey of India, PWD (Building and National Highway), the Director of Archaeology, Assam, and Larsen and Toubro Limited, among others.
The court posted the matter for further hearing on June 3.
The Maa Kamakhya Corridor project draws inspiration from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor project in Varanasi.