Guwahati: Demolition of historic Mahafezkhana sparks outrage

Staff reporter

Guwahati: The historic Mahafezkhana, one of Assam’s oldest concrete structures, has been reduced to rubble, sparking widespread outrage among conservationists, historians, and heritage activists. The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) undertook the demolition as part of the ambitious Brahmaputra Riverfront Project, but critics have condemned the move as an act of cultural and historical erasure.

The Mahafezkhana, constructed between 1855 and 1865, was a significant architectural landmark of Assam. Renowned for its resilience, it withstood two devastating earthquakes in 1897 and 1950, standing as a testament to the state’s rich architectural heritage. For decades, the structure served as an essential repository for land records, administrative orders, and historical maps, playing a pivotal role in preserving Assam’s bureaucratic legacy.

Despite its historical significance, GMDA officials have justified the demolition, citing the requirements of the Brahmaputra Riverfront Project. “The Mahafezkhana was demolished last year as part of the development plan. Additionally, the ‘BI Court Record’ on the same premises was razed three days ago,” an official spokesperson confirmed. The riverfront project has also claimed other notable structures, including the old Gauhatii Municipal Corporation (GMC) office and the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) office, drawing further criticism from heritage advocates.

Heritage activists have expressed alarm over the unchecked urbanization that threatens Assam’s architectural legacy. “This is not just about losing a building; it’s about erasing a crucial part of Assam’s past,” lamented a conservationist. “If history is memory, Assam is fast losing its own. The question remains—who will be held responsible for this destruction, and who will stop the next one?”

The demolition has sparked an outpouring of public sentiment, with many expressing grief and anger over social media. Cultural and academic circles have also voiced concern, questioning the prioritization of modernization over heritage preservation.

In the wake of the controversy, experts are calling for stricter heritage protection laws to safeguard Assam’s remaining historical sites. Many argue that the lack of a clear conservation policy leaves the state’s heritage vulnerable to destruction in the name of urban development.

“The Brahmaputra Riverfront Project may be hailed as a modernizing effort, but we must ask ourselves—at what cost?” questioned an urban historian. “We cannot afford to lose our identity while pursuing modernization.”

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