Encroachment threatens historic Jamuna, preservation committee demands action

OUR CORRESPONDENT

SIVASAGAR: The Sivasagar District Ancient Monuments Preservation Committee strongly demanded the urgent demarcation of the boundaries of the historic Jamuna adjacent to the Sivasagar Borpukhuri, amid growing concerns over rampant encroachment.

According to historical records, Queen Draupadi, the second wife of Ahom Swargadeo Siva Singha, had built the Sivasagar Borpukhuri between 1731 and 1734. The tank and its surrounding banks encompass an area of approximately 129 acres. Surrounding the tank lies the historic Jamuna, which, as per official records, comprises 128 acres. Together, these two heritage sites account for a total of 257 acres.

However, the committee points out a glaring discrepancy: while official documents reflect 128 acres under Jamuna, much of this land has been lost to alleged illegal encroachments. Some individuals have even converted government-owned Jamuna land into private holdings, undermining public ownership.

Despite repeated appeals from various civil society organizations and concerned citizens, the encroachments remain unabated. Certain residents living along the GNG Road and AT Road have allegedly built latrines, urinals, and even rental houses over the Jamuna area. Commercial activities are also being carried out on these encroached lands, and vegetable gardens and banana plantations have been developed by illegally occupying Jamuna territory.

The Jamuna plays a crucial role in urban drainage, as rainwater collected in Sivasagar town flows through various drains into the Jamuna and then onward into the Darika River. However, ongoing encroachments are blocking these natural channels, worsening artificial flooding in the town, a problem that the committee warned would remain unresolved unless immediate action is taken.

Shockingly, the historic Jamuna still does not have a legally defined permanent boundary. The lack of demarcation has made it easier for residents and vested interests to occupy the land illegally.

The Sivasagar District Ancient Monuments Preservation Committee, led by President Sushil Baruah and Secretary Manoj Kumar Gogoi, urged the government to officially define and mark Jamuna’s boundaries with permanent pillars. “Until and unless a permanent boundary is established, the encroachment will continue unchecked,” they stated during a press interaction.

In addition to Jamuna, the committee also demanded the preservation of other scattered ancient heritage sites across the district.

Also Read: Civil society sounds alarm over extrimist-backed land encroachment in Sivasagar

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