Guwahati, March 18: Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrata Saikia, has sought the intervention of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to safeguard Ahom-era monuments, particularly the flood-affected Rang Ghar.
In a letter to INTACH’s director, Saikia urged immediate expert assessment and financial assistance to preserve Rang Ghar, Talatal Ghar, and other historic sites, which he described as “proud symbols of Assam’s rich cultural heritage.” His concern stems from recent waterlogging at Rang Ghar, which lasted two days and could weaken the centuries-old structure if not addressed with proper conservation techniques.
The Assam government recently announced a tourism development project near these historical monuments. While Saikia welcomed the initiative, he cautioned that improper planning could endanger these fragile structures, which have endured for centuries but now require careful preservation.
“The Ahom-era monuments are not just architectural marvels; they are the embodiment of our history, culture, and identity,” Saikia stated. He requested INTACH to conduct a structural assessment of key sites, recommend sustainable conservation measures to protect the monuments while integrating tourism, develop heritage-sensitive approaches for infrastructure and visitor management and organize workshops to educate local communities and stakeholders on heritage conservation.
Saikia expressed confidence in INTACH’s expertise, stating that its guidance could help the government balance economic growth with cultural preservation, ensuring that Assam’s historical treasures remain intact for future generations.
