While Lachit Ghat languishes in neglect, other parts of Assam have taken proactive steps to honour the legacy of Lachit Borphukan
The 35-foot-tall statue of Ahom General Lachit Borphukan, majestically poised in the midst of the Brahmaputra River, stands as a testament to Assam's rich history and the valour of its people. Inaugurated in 2016 by former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, this monument was envisioned to honour the legendary commander who led the Ahom forces to victory against the Mughals in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671. However, nearly a decade later, the statue and its surroundings, known as Lachit Ghat, paint a grim picture of neglect and civic apathy.
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During the winter months, as the Brahmaputra's water level recedes, expansive sandbars emerge around the statue, revealing an unsightly accumulation of waste. Garbage, including remnants from nearby markets such as Machkhowa and Fancy Bazar, discarded items from fast-food vendors, and refuse from local residents, litter the area. The situation deteriorates further during festivals like Saraswati Puja, where remnants of idols, flowers, and other ritualistic items are abandoned, turning the ghat into a veritable dumping ground.
A local resident, expressing dismay, said, "There is a puddle surrounding the statue, and the public urinates there at night. Street dwellers dump their load, and even educated individuals throw garbage. It's very embarrassing." Such accounts underscore the severity of the neglect and the collective failure to uphold the sanctity of a site meant to commemorate a national hero.
The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), tasked with the city's upkeep, has often cited manpower shortages as a hindrance to regular maintenance. A senior GMC official, when approached on Friday (February 7) afternoon, stated, "We are sending a team immediately to clean the area." While such prompt responses are commendable, they often prove to be temporary solutions to a recurring problem.
The GMC has also emphasised the role of citizens in maintaining public spaces. "The public should also cooperate with the GMC. Blaming GMC all the time is not the solution since keeping the entire city clean is the responsibility of a civilised society as a whole. We request the people to help protect the pride of the Ahom general and the glorious history," an official noted.
This perspective brings to light a critical question: Who bears the ultimate responsibility for the upkeep of such monuments? Is it solely the duty of the administration, or does the public share an equal burden?
While Lachit Ghat languishes in neglect, other parts of Assam have taken proactive steps to honour the legacy of Lachit Borphukan. In October 2023, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled another 35-foot statue of the Ahom general at the Narengi Military Station in Guwahati. During the inauguration, he remarked, "It is a very important milestone in our journey to promote the memory and heroism of the Ahom general. Standing tall and strong in the face of adversities, our martyrs have sacrificed their present for our future without a second thought."
Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 125-foot bronze statue of 'Ahom general' Lachit Borphukan in Assam's Jorhat in March 2024 and is now in a better state than Guwahati.
The 'Statue of Valour' was unveiled by the prime minister at the Lachit Borphukan Maidam Development Project at Hollongapar near Teok. The height of the statue, built by Ram Vanji Sutar, is 84 feet and it is set on a pedestal of 41 feet, making the structure 125 feet tall. The foundation of the statue was laid by former President Ram Nath Kovind in February 2022.
Meanwhile, such sights highlight a major contrast, while efforts are made to educate the nation and celebrate Assam's heritage, existing infrastructure suffer from neglect.
The dilapidation of Lachit Ghat is not merely an aesthetic concern; it reflects a deeper societal disregard for historical preservation. Monuments like the Lachit Borphukan statue serve as tangible links to our past, educating current and future generations about the sacrifices and achievements that have shaped our present.
When such sites are neglected, it sends a message of apathy towards our own heritage. It undermines efforts to instil pride and awareness among the populace, especially the youth, about the rich tapestry of their history.
Addressing the neglect of Lachit Ghat requires a multifaceted approach:
1. Administrative Intervention: The GMC must prioritise regular maintenance of the area, ensuring that cleaning schedules are adhered to, especially post-festivals and public events.
2. Public Participation: Citizens must recognise their role in preserving public spaces. Initiatives like community clean-up drives can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.
3. Awareness Campaigns: Educational programmes highlighting the historical significance of Lachit Borphukan and the importance of the monument can instil pride and deter vandalism and littering.
4. Infrastructure Development: Installing amenities such as dustbins, public toilets, and proper signage can mitigate littering and public urination.
5. Enforcement of Regulations: Strict penalties for littering and vandalism should be enforced to deter such activities.
The neglect of the Lachit Borphukan statue at Lachit Ghat is a reminder of the challenges in heritage conservation. While the administration's role is pivotal, the collective responsibility of the public cannot be understated. As Assam continues to celebrate its heroes, it is imperative to ensure that existing ones are preserved with the dignity and respect they deserve. Only through a collective effort can we honour the legacy of figures like Lachit Borphukan and ensure that their contributions continue to inspire future generations.