Guwahati: Amid concerns regarding the Rs 498-crore Maa Kamakhya Temple Corridor Project, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has clarified that the project will not involve any major structural changes to Nilachal Hills, where the historic temple is located.
Reiterating that the proposed project work would commence only after receiving clearance from IIT-Guwahati (IIT-G), the Chief Minister stated that the project aims to provide amenities for the convenience of the thousands of devotees who visit the temple annually.
Speaking to the media on Friday after offering prayers at the temple, where the annual four-day Ambubachi Mela concluded recently, Chief Minister Sarma said, “It might take two to four months for IIT-G to give approval to the project, but we have not given any specific deadline to the institute for such clearance.”
Experts from IIT-G are expected to scrutinise the blueprint and conduct mandatory hydrological and geological studies to ensure the project’s feasibility.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while laying the foundation stone of the project in February this year, stated that the project would increase ease of access and comfort for devotees while boosting visitor footfall.
Addressing concerns about any adverse impact on the structure of the historic site, Sarma assured that the project would not involve any major structural changes within the temple premises or the surrounding area.
He further mentioned that the project is expected to be completed in two years.
“When you hear the word corridor, people think that something drastic will be built. The corridor here will involve widening and developing the PWD road, which will be covered with roof sheets for safe and easy access to the temple atop the hill during rain. But people are expressing different opinions,” Sarma explained.
“Five to six houses that currently exist will need to be relocated, and discussions about shifting these houses and shops to a nearby site are underway. Compensation will be provided,” the Chief Minister clarified.
Sarma also mentioned that the project will include access to elevators for differently-abled people once completed.
Earlier this month, the Assam government informed the Gauhati High Court that construction of the Kamakhya temple access corridor would not begin until clearance from IIT-G was received. This clarification came in response to a writ petition submitted to the high court, challenging the proposed project and alleging potential ecological risks due to large-scale demolition, excavation, and reconstruction.
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