Assam: Tourism potential in Numaligarh remains untapped

A CORRESPONDENT

BOKAKHAT: Numaligarh, located in Golaghat district, boasts a rich tapestry of historical and natural attractions. However, many of these treasures remain neglected, leaving both domestic and international tourists disheartened.

Deopahar: A forgotten heritage: Deopahar, meaning ‘Hill of the Gods,’ is an archaeological site of immense significance. It houses the remnants of a 10th–11th century Shiva temple, adorned with intricate stone carvings that depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata Purana. The temple’s construction appears to have been incomplete or damaged, possibly during the Assam earthquake of 1897. In 2006, the Assam Government’s Directorate of Archaeology initiated efforts to develop Deopahar as a tourist destination. This included constructing a paved pathway to the hilltop and establishing a site museum. Despite these efforts, the site remains underdeveloped, with many sculptures unnamed and the infrastructure deteriorating.

Numaligarh Fort: A vanishing relic: The Numaligarh Fort, once a prominent structure built with bricks measuring 23 × 14 × 3 cm, now stands in ruins. Originally spanning over 20 bighas, only a fraction of the fort’s area remains intact. Recent construction activities, including the development of a four-lane highway, have further encroached upon this historical site.

British Era Cemeteries: Neglected testimonies: Numaligarh’s tea gardens, established during British colonial rule, are home to cemeteries of British officials and tea estate managers. Notably, the Numaligarh Tea Estate Cemetery contains graves dating back to the early 20th century. However, due to a lack of preservation efforts, many of these graves have deteriorated, and records lost.

Butterfly Valley: A unique biodiversity spot: Adjacent to Deopahar, the Butterfly Valley within the Numaligarh Refinery Township spans approximately 30 acres. This sanctuary is home to a diverse range of butterfly species and serves as a crucial habitat for their conservation. Despite its ecological importance, the valley requires more attention to maintain its biodiversity.

Other Attractions: Awaiting recognition: Beyond these sites, Numaligarh offers other attractions like Baxa Pahar, Kalyani Vaidya Bihar, the Aideu Handique Memorial Museum, and the Mohini Rajkumari Museum in Fatasil. These sites, rich in cultural and historical significance, remain under-promoted and underdeveloped.

Local journalists and residents have urged the Numaligarh Refinery authorities and the Assam Government to prioritize the preservation and promotion of these sites. Recognizing this, Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma recently emphasized the importance of developing Numaligarh’s tourism potential, directing officials to prepare detailed plans for site preservation and enhancement. By investing in the restoration and promotion of Numaligarh’s historical and natural sites, Assam can offer tourists a richer experience and preserve its invaluable heritage for future generations.

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