Encroachment posing problem for Asom heritage

Guwahati, Sep 12 (UNI) Encroachment, both private and government, is emerging as a major problem for preservation of archaeological sites in Asom.

Department of Archaeology Director H N Dutta told UNI today that though funds were in short supply, encroachment of land near historic sites was posing to be the main problem for the department.

He said, ''As land near the archaeological sites are deemed to be government property, many government insitutions and buildings had been set up already. Of course, it is decreasing now with greater awareness among all.'' Dr Dutta cited the example of the tank in Sibsagar town, on banks of which the Deputy Commissioner's residence, the circuit house, officers' quarters and the district jail, among others, were situated.

''The Joysagar College had been built on banks of the Joysagar lake. We cannot protest as it is an educational institution,'' he added.

The director pointed out that the Fishery department had the highest occupancy of archaeological sites. A large number of fisheries had been developed on historic tanks and it could effect the level of water of these scientifically built tanks during the reign of the Ahoms.

''Even the Fishery department's office is situated on banks of the Dighalipukhuri in Guwahati,'' Dr Dutta said.

The Archaeology department often comes into conflict with the temple committees. Dr Dutta informed that the temple committees took the issue of development of the adjoining areas themselves, though the authority lies with the archaeology department.

''It is caused due to absence of clear demarcation of temple property and the department's property,'' he added.

To tackle the problem of encroachment, the department was undertaking boundary fencing work.

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