Encroachment Of Heritage Sites Related To Ahom Dynasty Going On Unabated Due To Absence Of Any Protective Steps By State: Gauhati High Court

The Gauhati High Court has asked the Assam Government to inform it whether the State is prepared to come up with a comprehensive plan for protection of the monuments pertaining to Ahom dynasty including the coal mines in the various locations under Digboi Forest Division.

The court was hearing a Suo Motu PIL on the basis of a letter dated April 5, 2018 written by late Nilay Dutta, Senior Advocate, pertaining to the illegal mining activities taking place in the various locations under Digboi Forest Division.

Advocate H.K. Das, counsel appearing for the Gauhati High Court, submitted that in the process of illegal mining activities, the monuments pertaining to Ahom dynasty are also being destroyed/encroached by persons with vested interest.

The division bench of the Chief Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice Suman Shyam observed that it prima facie appears that illegal encroachment of the Heritage sites related to the Ahom Dynasty including those of Chaolung Sukapha, the father of Ahom kingdom, "is going on unabated due to the absence of any protective steps taken by the State Government.”

In another PIL, the Court has directed the authorities to ensure that all illegal mining activities in the Saleki Proposed Reserve Forest under Digboi division area are stopped forthwith.

The matter is listed again after four weeks.

Case Title: XXXX v. In Re-The State of Assam and Ors.

Coram: The Chief Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice Suman Shyam

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