National

Damage to ‘Rang Ghar’ causes concern

Guwahati: Seismic survey being undertaken by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation is posing a threat to Assam’s 18th century amphitheatre, ‘Rang Ghar,’ at Gargaon in Sibsagar district, perhaps the largest stadium in Asia.

Cracks have appeared on the facade of the monument constructed in 1746 A.D., the most potent symbol of the glorious 600-year rule of the Tai-Ahom kings hailing from Thailand. The original amphitheatre was constructed with wood and bamboo by King Rudrasingha, also known as Siukapha, who ruled between 1696 and 1714, but was rebuilt as a permanent structure by King Pramatasinha (1744-1751).

The Assam government has constituted a seven-member expert committee to examine the damage to the heritage site.

The damage to the protected monument has prompted the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which maintains it, to threaten legal action against the public sector ONGC.

Eight 10-meter cracks appeared on the Rang Ghar walls following blasts during the seismic survey work at nearby Rupohipathar, an open oil field.

ONGC officials refused to comment on the matter.

They merely said “precautions were taken not to harm the heritage sites and historic monuments during survey works.”

The issue has triggered a public outcry, with a local students body, All Assam Tai Ahom Students Union (AATASU), calling an “indefinite bandh” from March 5 and the proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom issuing a warning to the ONGC to stop work that could affect the monument or face dire consequences. — PTI

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu