Encroachment: a major problem for Asom heritage

Guwahati, Sep 13: Encroachment, both private and government, near the historic sites is posing to be the major problem for preservation of archaeological sites in Asom.

Department of Archaeology Director H N Dutta told UNI yesterday, ''As land near the archaeological sites are deemed to be government property, many government insitutions and buildings had already been set up. 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 sits the house of the Deputy Commissioner, the circuit house, officers' quarters and the district jail among others.

''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 the 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 added.

The Archaeology department often comes into conflict with the temple committees. These committees have taken the issue of development of the adjoining areas themselves, though the authority lies with the archaeology department, said Dr Dutta.

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

The director said, ''We have only 36 monument attendants for the 96 monuments protected by the Archaeology department at present. We have requested the government for creation of new posts.'' He said the government had also been approached for the early appointments to the posts of Exploration officer and Technical officer, both of which had been lying vacant.

Dr Dutta said that the Rs 50 lakh provided to the department by the Chief Minister in last year's budget had helped in executing a number of projects. ''Moreover, Rs 4.30 crore provided under the 11th Finance Commission had been of great use,'' he added.

''Of course, estimates had to be revised as proposal for Rs 4.30 crore was submitted in 1996-97 and the money sanctioned in 2001,'' Dr Dutta said.

More than 300 sites could be added to the archaeology department if more funds were made available, he added.

Dr Dutta maintained that the inclusion of the Archaeology department in the Culture department, had been beneficial.

''Moreover, the permission to lease out road construction and allied works to private parties has helped the department to concentrate better on the excavation,'' the director said.

He also said that the department was in constant communication with the Tourism department to develop archaeological sites as tourist spots.

UNI