Assam: Experts advocate hydrological study amidst challenges in court against Kamakhya Corridor project

Guwahati: As the ambitious Kamakhya Corridor project in Guwahati faces controversy, experts are strongly advocating for a comprehensive hydrological study to be conducted before any construction begins.

This call comes in the wake of two petitions filed at the Gauhati High Court raising concern about the project's potential impact on the historic Kamakhya Temple, its surrounding ecology, and the underground springs that connect the temple with others on Neelachal Hill, which are crucial for religious rituals.

Sudhir Kumar, a former Director of the National Institute of Hydrology in Roorkee, emphasizes the importance of such an assessment by a specialized institute like the Geological Survey of India (GSI).

According to Kumar, this study is essential to mitigate potential environmental and infrastructural risks surrounding the revered Kamakhya temple.

Kumar, familiar with Guwahati due to past work experience and his own pilgrimages to the temple, highlights the unique geological setting of the temple. Situated atop an isolated granitic gneiss hill, the temple complex relies on groundwater that primarily flows through fractures and joints within the rock formations, he said.

"The temple's location atop an isolated granitic gneiss hill means groundwater flows primarily through fractures and joints," said Kumar. "Any construction activity may disturb the flow path of the spring water that sustains the temple's sacred areas," Kumar said.

He underscores the necessity for a meticulous geo-hydrological study to map these flow paths, particularly those supplying water to the temple's sacred areas.

Kumar proposes a multi-pronged approach to the study. He suggests subsurface mapping using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology to pinpoint the fractures and joints that are crucial for the temple's water supply.

"The study needs to involve surface mapping using GPR around each temple with water in the Sanctum or Garbha Griha," explained Kumar, the hydrologist. "This will help to detect the joints and fractures through which the water flows into and out of the sanctum," he added.

Kumar's concerns extend beyond the immediate temple complex. He the importance of examining water sources like tanks and kunds scattered across the Nilachal hill to ensure their integrity during construction. Given the project's complexity, Kumar recommends engaging the expertise of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) for the most effective execution of the study.

"Fractures and joints are likely present throughout the hill, which is why there are water tanks and kunds. Their source of water might also be through these fractures and joints, so a GPR survey around these kunds is also necessary," he added.

Legal Challenges Raise Concerns

Two petitions have been filed at the Gauhati High Court. One, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), and another a writ petition, raise concerns about the project's impact on the temple's heritage and the surrounding ecology.

Navajyoti Sarma, a Bar Deuri associated with the Kamakhya Temple, has challenged the project's viability in his writ petition. A key point of contention is the apparent lack of proper environmental impact assessments. Sarma fears that the large-scale demolition and reconstruction inherent to the project could significantly damage the historical and cultural significance of the temple complex.

The petitions delve into the crucial role played by the underground springs that connect the Kamakhya Temple with other temples on Neelachal Hill.

These springs, according to the petitions, are central to religious rituals and the overall sacredness of the temple. A major concern is the alleged lack of proper safeguards for the temple complex during construction. The petitioners argue that the temple and surrounding areas are not designated as protected monuments under relevant archaeological acts, leaving them vulnerable.

Upamanyu Hazarika, the advocate representing the petitioner Navajyoti Sarma, highlights this lack of designation under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958, and the Assam Monuments and Records Act of 1959.

IIT Guwahati to Conduct Study, But Petitioners Seek GSI Expertise

The Assam government has informed the Gauhati High Court that the project's design and working drawings will be sent to IIT Guwahati for structural vetting.

The government in an affidavit to the Gauhati High Court, stated the institute will also undertake hydrological and geological studies, which are considered mandatory.

The government maintains that this vetting process will include mandatory hydrological and geological studies.

"On the basis of the finalized site plan work on detailed design and working drawing is ongoing. These will be sent to IIT Guwahati for structural vetting. Only after due diligence and approval will construction work commence... No construction shall start until clearances from IIT Guwahati and other relevant agencies are obtained," the government stated in the affidavit.

However, Upamanyu Hazarika, counsel for petitioner Navajyoti Sarma, remains unconvinced about the proposed hydrological study by IIT Guwahati. "The study should be carried out by a hydrologist from the Geological Survey of India (GSI). That would be more effective," said Hazarika.

The PIL filed by devotee Gitika Bhattacharya and twelve others, seeks clarification on several points. Their concerns include assurances that construction will not damage or obstruct the temple's age-old structures, the natural water springs representing the "Dasa Mahavidyas," the sacred Nilachal Hill, and the natural cave considered the cosmic womb and sanctum sanctorum.