State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation has launched project ‘Amulya Dharohar,' which envisages conservation and beautification of heritage sites of the Ahom era located in Sivasagar District in Assam.
ONGC, in association with ASI, is undertaking this monumental project with a holistic view of conservation as well as to share benefits with the local people by unleashing the vast tourism potentials of these architectural marvels of the Ahom kingdom that have lasted 600 years.
The implementation of the project is to cost Rs.3.96 crore and will take around 36 months to cpmplete. It will be implemented in two phases, with the first costing around Rs. 2.38 crore, and the second Rs. 1.58 crore.
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In the first phase, emphasis is being given to the scientific measures of conservation. Scientific clearance of buried structures and their documentation will be carried out at Talatal Ghar in Joysagar and Kareng Ghar in Gargaon. According to A.K Hazarika (Director Offshore) marks of ever ravaging time are visible at the heritage sites and the company has taken the initiative of salvaging these priceless testimonies of a bygone era.
Apart from the scientific measures of conservation of the four monuments -- Talatal Ghar, Rang Ghar, Kareng Ghar and the group of four maidans in Charideo – the emphasis is also on developing tourist infrastructure. The company will be laying down pathways, visitor seating, signage, universal / disability access, route maps, lighting, electrical installations, and security cover for the tourists.
The second phase of the project will also cover development of tourist amenities and protection of the monuments against encroachments. Besides, steps will also be taken to woo greater number of tourists through publication and awareness programmes in the second phase of the project itself.
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