GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court has permitted the Assam government to proceed with the proposed “Maa Kamakhya Temple Access Corridor” at Nilachal Hills in Guwahati.
The court also disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and a writ petition regarding the matter on Friday.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Arun Dev Choudhury stated, “There is a further assurance that the project would be executed without even in the least affecting the underground holy water springs. With the above-noted assurances and the structural design of the project incorporating the suggestions of the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, and the IIT, Guwahati, we find no reason to continue with this PIL (PIL No. 12/2024) and the writ petition [WP(C) 2700/2024] any further.”
The PIL (12/2024) was filed seeking a White Paper on the proposed construction of the corridor. Another writ petition [WP(C) No. 2700/2024], filed by Navajyoti Sarma, challenged the tender process initiated by the State vide NIT dated November 27, 2023, alleging violations of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and the Assam Ancient Monuments and Records Act, 1959.
The petitioners contended that the project could adversely affect the Maa Kamakhya Temple premises and disrupt religious practices, potentially leading to desecration.
The court noted, “During the course of the arguments, D. Saikia, learned Advocate General, Assam, had assured this Court verbally, as also in writing, that till all clearance are received from all the authorities concerned, including the Research and Analytical Report from the IIT, Guwahati, as also by another research body regarding hydrological impact coming in the way of the execution of the project, no construction shall take place.”
The court said that an affidavit sworn by the Special Commissioner and Special Secretary, PW (B&NH) Department, Assam, has been filed earlier wherein it has been averred that the project, namely, “Maa Kamakhya Temple Access Corridor Project” has been taken up for the purposes of development of the temple area under the PM-DEVINE Scheme. The frontal facade and vista of the temple appear to have been compromised over a period of time because of unplanned residential and commercial buildings, most of which present re-barbative look, which have come up even near the open spaces in front of the temple, which could be used by the pilgrims, or which could have been used by the State to develop amenities and all-weather facilities for the pilgrims. The Advocate General had stated that the project was initially conceived with the understanding that there shall be no interference with the architecture and ancient sculptures of the temples in and around the main sanctum sanctorum. The State is also conscious of the possibilities of the adverse impact to the underground holy water springs that may occur with the initiation and completion of the project.
