Urgent Preservation Efforts Underway for Flood-Damaged Archaeological Sites in Assam

The recent floods in Assam have wreaked havoc on numerous archaeological sites and endangered priceless manuscripts. With at least 12 sites affected, officials are racing against time to assess the damage and implement urgent preservation measures. The situation is dire, as centuries-old manuscripts have been submerged and require specialized treatment. Experts emphasize the need for immediate action to safeguard Assam's rich cultural heritage. This article delves into the extent of the damage and the ongoing efforts to protect these invaluable resources.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 2, 2026, 11:12 IST

Floods Devastate Archaeological Heritage in Assam

A heritage site inundated with floodwaters in Charaideo

Charaideo, Aug 2: The catastrophic floods that occurred on July 19 have severely impacted numerous archaeological sites, putting countless invaluable manuscripts at risk. This situation has prompted immediate action from officials and conservationists to initiate preservation efforts.

Dr. Nabajit Deori, the director-in-charge of the Directorate of Archaeology, reported that at least 12 archaeological sites in the Sivasagar and Charaideo districts have been affected. He conducted a visit to the flood-impacted monuments to evaluate the damage.

“The Darika Silsako at Simaluguri is particularly concerning. We are worried about the structural integrity of the standing pillars. The water level remains elevated, and a thorough assessment can only be conducted once the floodwaters recede,” stated Deori.

The swollen Dikhow river has reached the boundary walls of Gorokhia Doul at Nazira, creating a significant risk for this historic site.

Officials have also noted issues such as silt accumulation, algae growth, and damage to lime plaster at several sites, including Golaghar, Hara Gauri Temple, Fakuwa Doul, and Bogi Doul in Sivasagar. Many other heritage sites remain submerged, hindering a complete evaluation of the damage.

Chabina Hassan, the deputy director of archaeology, mentioned, “Our team has compiled a preliminary assessment report for the affected sites. Immediate conservation and maintenance actions are crucial to protect Assam’s rich heritage.”

The floods have also severely impacted centuries-old manuscripts stored in satras. Preservationist Diganta Hazarika, who visited the affected regions in Amguri, reported that manuscripts at Gajali Satra and Jorabari Satra were submerged and covered in mud. Many manuscripts owned by private collectors have also suffered similar fates.

In these areas alone, over 1,000 manuscripts, including Naamghosa, Kirtan, and Bhagawat, require urgent conservation. “These manuscripts need to be dried using a specialized preservation technique. I brought 16 severely damaged manuscripts with me for immediate treatment,” Hazarika explained.

Some of the affected manuscripts are as long as 3.5 feet and nearly 10 inches thick, with folio counts ranging from three to 350. In some cases, the text has been erased from the damaged manuscripts.