kamakhya-project-to-begin-post-iitg-nod-cm-sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Friday that the Kamakhya Access Corridor project will only commence after receiving clearance from IIT Guwahati.

 

Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the Kamakhya Temple atop Nilachal Hills, Sarma revealed that Larsen and Toubro Group (L&T) have been assigned the project and have submitted the blueprint and plans for IITG's approval.

 

IIT Guwahati will evaluate hydrological and geological concerns before granting clearance. "No deadline has been set for IITG's review, which may take three to four months or even longer," Sarma stated.

 

The chief minister assured that the construction would not pose any problems as the Public Works Department will focus on improving and widening the road while providing amenities for devotees.

 

A writ petition filed by a few temple priests is pending in the Gauhati High Court, expressing concerns that the proposed development might affect the temple's eternal springs, including the holy spring in the 'garbhagriha' (sanctum sanctorum).

 

The next hearing is scheduled for July 27.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for the Rs 498 crore Kamakhya Access Corridor under the Prime Minister's Development Initiative in the North East (PM-DevINE) in February this year.

 

The chief minister, accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, offered prayers at the temple two days after its reopening following its annual three-day closure during the Ambubachi Mela.

 

"Every year, we offer prayers on the day the temple doors open, but this year, due to the unprecedented crowd, I had to defer it by two days. I prayed to the Goddess for the welfare and blessings of all people of the state," Sarma said.

 

The temple doors were closed to devotees on June 22 and reopened on June 26 for the Ambubachi Mela, which marks the belief in the annual menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya.

 

The project aims to improve access to the revered Kamakhya Temple, ensuring better facilities for the influx of devotees visiting during major events like the Ambubachi Mela.