Assam's Majuli And Sivasagar Aim For UNESCO World Heritage Status Amid Challenges

MAJULI: In a bid to elevate Majuli and Sivasagar in upper Assam to UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the state cabinet has initiated expert consultations following the recent recognition of Charaideo maidams. This move is seen as a significant step towards establishing these districts as key heritage tourism destinations in Northeast India.

Even if hopeful, the government still faces difficulties. The file of application for Majuli remains pending even after several submissions, whereas the heritage of Ahom dynasty monuments of Sivasagar demands an integrated conservation approach. Authorities mention the necessity of demarcating clearly the area of jurisdiction of Sivasagar's nomination given the extent of its historic properties.

Reports indicate that the state government has instructed officials to take maximum efforts to get UNESCO approval for both sites. Separate dossiers will be prepared for each site, and former ASI director KC Nauriyal, who successfully prepared Charaideo's dossier, is likely to take the lead in the applications for Majuli and Sivasagar.

Majuli has been in the running for UNESCO since 2004, specifically for its cultural heritage. Officials, however, recommend a mixed category nomination that emphasizes both its natural and cultural importance, a category in which only one site in India has been represented, Khangchendzonga National Park.

Sivasagar, with its unique architecture and historical significance, is also a strong contender. The government has to take a call on whether to add the erstwhile capital of the Ahoms, Rangpur city, to the nomination since encroachment is a challenge. In the meantime, the recent restoration of 13 Ahom monuments in Sivasagar will generate considerable visitor interest.

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