Rang Ghar in Sivasagar district lies neglected
OUR CORRESPONDENT
Sivasagar: The historic Sivasagar district is a major tourist attraction. But there is no clear policy of the Tourism department. So, Sivasagar district is neglected on the tourist map due to the lack of facilities for tourists. The short-sightedness of the Archaeology department of Sivasagar under the Central Archaeology Department may be one such cause of concern which has brought to light the fact that tourists coming to this historical place are facing various problems.
One can't miss having a look at the Ahom-era monument 'Rang Ghar' when travelling to Sivasagar. Considered as Asia's first pavilion 'Rang Ghar' has been now in a state of utter neglect due to lack of departmental care and maintenance. The neglected look is visible from every corner of Rang Ghar. At present, the beauty of the interior of the Rang Ghar has been completely destroyed as the white colours painted by the Central Archaeology Department a few years ago, have peeled off. On the other hand, the sculptures on the outer wall have been damaged in many parts. These sculptures were renovated by the department a few years ago, but the conscious public alleged that these were damaged due to poor work and lack of proper maintenance.
Meanwhile, green fungi have been detected on the lower part of the roof from inside as rainwater is leaking through the roof above the second floor of this oldest surviving amphitheatre. These fungi also pose a threat to the elasticity of the roof. Moreover, due to alleged lack of maintenance, rainwater has caused black spots on different parts from the roof to the bottom of the amphitheatre.
It may be mentioned that this 22 metres long, 11 metres wide and 6.6 metres high historical architecture, was constructed by Ahom Swargadeo Pramatta Singha in 1746.
Tall grass growing in the park of the premises of the Rang Ghar have faded the beauty of this historical site. Construction of footpaths without proper drainage system has caused accumulation of rainwater in large sized spaces between the footpaths.
There is a possibility of the Rang Ghar premises turning into a field unless arrangements are made for earth-filling in these parts, stated locals. Moreover, the children's recreational materials of the children's park that were installed earlier in the Rang Ghar premises, are not only destroyed but the sculptures of buffalo-fight and wrestling installed inside the park, are also in a state of disrepair. These have exposed the negligence of the authorities of Archaeology department.
Meanwhile, most of the ten solar lights installed at the Rang Ghar premises started malfunctioning and two halogen lights were reported to have been completely damaged. People here fear that such a historical asset will soon be destroyed if the authorities do not take realistic steps to improve the infrastructure.
On the other hand, according to Gunanshu Kalita, conservation assistant of the district archaeology department, the work on the inter-structure of the Rang Ghar and the re-decorating of the park would start soon as the tendering process had already been done. He said steps would also be taken to stop the water leaking from the upper part of the Rang Ghar and said that work on the plaster, floor work would also be done.
He also said that arrangements to drain water from the park have been made, but the water has not drained out of the main drain where the water swells. In this case the administration was requested to open the blocked main drain, he said.
Citing that there is not enough staff to look after the Rang Ghar, Kalita also told that the higher authorities have been informed to repair the lights on its premises.
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