Guwahati: The Assam government has assured the Gauhati High Court that construction of a new access corridor to the Kamakhya Temple will not begin until approval is granted by the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati).
IIT Guwahati will be responsible for reviewing the blueprints for the corridor and conducting necessary hydrological and geological studies to ensure the project’s safety.
This decision comes in response to a lawsuit filed by Navajyoti Sarma, who raised concerns that the construction could damage the sacred eternal spring located within the temple complex. The spring is a significant source of holy water for devotees.
Sarma also expressed worry that the project might alter traditional puja practices and rituals performed by the “bordeoris” (priests) as some of the temples and idols are not protected under the Monuments Act.
The Assam government’s advocate general Devajit Saikia assured the court that construction would only commence after obtaining clearances from IIT Guwahati and other relevant agencies.
He pointed out that the project’s tender already mandates acquiring approvals before any construction work starts.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for this case on July 27th, 2024.
The Kamakhya Temple access corridor project, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024, aims to improve pilgrim experience and boost religious tourism, similar to other corridor projects undertaken in Varanasi and Ujjain.