Assam Advocate General Defends Kamakhya Corridor Project, Says No Impact on Temple Sanctity

GUWAHATI: Assam Advocate General Devajit Lon Saikia on Friday clarified the government’s position on the proposed Kamakhya Corridor project, asserting that the initiative will not affect the sanctity, structure, or religious practices of the revered Kamakhya Temple.

Addressing a press conference, Saikia said the corridor was conceived to ease congestion and improve facilities for devotees visiting the temple.

He said the government decided to plan the Kamakhya Corridor after it was observed that pilgrims faced severe inconvenience due to roadside shops and unregulated commercial establishments along the approach route to the temple. Work orders for the project were issued in 2024.

However, during the initial phase of implementation, two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) were filed in the Gauhati High Court by individuals named Gitika Bhattacharjee and Navajyoti Sarma, opposing the project on the grounds that it could disrupt traditional rituals and the temple’s sanctity.

Saikia stated that special measures have been taken to ensure that religious practices remain unaffected. He said the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has conducted extensive surveys and submitted its findings to the court, confirming that the project will not cause any structural or ritual disturbance to the temple. Based on the survey report, the Gauhati High Court has permitted the government to proceed with the corridor construction within defined limits.

He further informed that the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, has studied underground hydrological aspects, including excavation depth and groundwater flow, and a revised design has been prepared after comprehensive scientific assessments.

“The construction will be limited to the downhill area. No work will be carried out within the temple premises, and the temple sanctum will remain untouched,” Saikia said, adding that the court has clearly demarcated boundaries within which construction can proceed.

He also dismissed claims regarding the demolition of the Chhinnamasta Temple as “baseless and illogical,” stating that there is no question of dismantling any temple structure.

“No one would dare to touch the temple structures. The corridor project is strictly limited to the access road and public movement areas,” he said.

Saikia also assured that the underground water channels and natural water flow beneath the temple would not be affected, as they have been thoroughly examined and are located away from the construction zone.

He said construction had already begun earlier but was temporarily halted due to legal proceedings. “Now that the court has given permission after reviewing scientific reports, the work will resume,” he added.

Also Read: Gauhati High Court Clears Maa Kamakhya Temple Access Corridor Project, Closes PIL and Writ Petition