Guwahati, 3rd April: The Gauhati High Court has directed the Assam government to provide a response regarding a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) opposing the construction of the proposed ‘Maa Kamakhya Temple Access Corridor’ in Assam. The PIL raises concerns over the absence of prior approvals and clearances from the department of archaeology under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958.
Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Suman Shyam granted a two-week period to the state government to submit its response. Senior government advocate D Nath and assisting advocate general D Saikia accepted the notice on behalf of the state.
The petition, filed by devotee Gitika Bhattacharya and 12 others, calls for transparency regarding the construction of the proposed corridor, seeking assurance that it will not harm or obstruct the ancient structures of the revered temple, including the ‘Dasa Mahavidyas’ and the sacred Nilachal Hill.
The plea emphasizes the government’s need to obtain necessary approvals and clearances under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, to protect historically significant monuments dating back over 2,000 years.
The petitioners, who identify as devotees of ‘Maa Kamakhya,’ the ‘Dasa Mahavidyas,’ and Nilachal Hill, assert their right to religious worship and express concerns about potential harm to the sanctity of the site.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi previously inaugurated the Rs 498 crore Kamakhya corridor project, envisioning it as a tourism gateway to the Northeast. However, the PIL underscores the importance of striking a balance between development initiatives and the preservation of cultural and archaeological heritage.
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