Guwahati: Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrata Saikia, has sought the assistance of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to safeguard Ahom-era monuments in the state, including Rang Ghar and Talatal Ghar.
In a letter written to INTACH, Saikia expressed his concern for the protection and preservation of the monuments of the Ahom era after he came to know about the waterlogging issue on the Rang Ghar premises.
Saikia stressed the urgent need for expert evaluation and financial support to safeguard Rang Ghar, Talatal Ghar, and other historical sites, which he called “proud symbols of Assam’s rich cultural heritage.”
“As the structure was created with traditional technology and material, waterlogging may damage this centuries-old heritage monument if proper preservation methodology is not applied immediately before the start of the new tourism-related govt project at the site,” he added.
He said the state government recently announced a tourism development project in the vicinity of these ancient sites.
While Saikia welcomed the initiative, he emphasized that these centuries-old, fragile structures necessitate careful preservation, as improper planning could put them at risk.
He said the monuments of the Ahom era are not mere architectural marvels, but the embodiment of the state’s history, culture, and identity.
He requested INTACH to conduct an expert assessment to evaluate the current structural condition of the monuments and develop preservation guidelines recommending measures to keep the sites intact while accommodating the proposed tourism projects in a sustainable and culturally sensitive manner.
He also suggested organizing workshops to educate local communities and stakeholders on heritage conservation.
He requested INTACH to provide technical support to assist in developing heritage-sensitive approaches for infrastructure development and visitor management in the region.
ALSO READ: Union Cabinet approves major urea project in Assam worth Rs 10,601 crore
Expressing confidence in INTACH’s expertise, Saikia suggested their guidance would assist the government in achieving a balance between economic progress and cultural preservation.
