GUWAHATI — A ₹500 crore redevelopment plan for the Kamakhya Temple complex atop Nilachal Hill has drawn sharp criticism from heritage conservation experts and archaeologists, who warn that the proposed modernisation could permanently damage one of the most significant archaeological and religious sites in Northeast India.
The plan, announced by the Kamakhya Devalaya authorities in conjunction with the Assam government, envisions expanded visitor facilities, a multi-storey parking complex, air-conditioned prayer halls, and a 'spiritual museum' within the temple precincts.
While the authorities describe the project as necessary to accommodate growing numbers of devotees — the Ambubachi Mela alone attracts over a million visitors — heritage experts say the scale and nature of the proposed construction is incompatible with the site's archaeological sensitivity.
"Kamakhya is not just a temple. It is an archaeological site of immense significance," said Dr. D.K. Bezboruah, a former Superintending Archaeologist of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Assam. "The current structure sits atop layers of earlier temple construction dating to at least the 8th century. Heavy construction could destroy irreplaceable evidence."
The ASI, which is the custodian of nationally protected monuments, told Speak for Assam that it had not been formally consulted about the project — a claim that the temple authorities disputed, saying they had held 'informal discussions' with the agency.
The Ambubachi infrastructure expansion is particularly controversial, as it involves the demolition of several structures within the core temple area that the ASI considers to be of heritage value, including a 17th-century rest house and portions of the original stone pathway.
Beidulla Bhuyan, a cultural historian at Cotton University, argued that the modernisation reflects a broader trend of treating heritage sites as revenue-generating tourism assets rather than living cultural monuments.
"The beauty of Kamakhya is in its organic, layered character," Dr. Bhuyan said. "It has evolved over centuries through incremental additions by different communities and dynasties. What is being proposed now is not evolution — it is replacement."
The temple authorities and the Assam government have defended the project, citing the need to manage crowd safety, improve sanitation, and provide better facilities for elderly and disabled devotees.
A public interest litigation challenging the project is expected to be filed in the Gauhati High Court in the coming weeks.