Critical Recommendations for Maa Kamakhya Access Corridor Project
Precautions for Construction of Maa Kamakhya Access Corridor
Guwahati, Feb 24: The National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) has emphasized the importance of adhering to depth-related precautions during the construction of the Maa Kamakhya Access Corridor Project to protect vital groundwater pathways. This recommendation comes from IIT Guwahati.
In response to two petitions filed in the Gauhati High Court, the government enlisted the expertise of NIH, based in Roorkee, to conduct a thorough geophysical and hydrological survey assessing the potential impacts of the Rs 500-crore Kamakhya corridor initiative. IIT Guwahati reviewed the NIH findings.
The report indicates that the proposed construction layout overlaps with mapped fracture systems, revealing interconnected fractures at depths between 1.9 m and 10.5 m from the Maa Kamakhya Temple to the Chinnamasta Temple, and between 3.9 m and 8.1 m within the Siddheshwar Temple area.
To mitigate disruption to the natural subsurface flow, the foundation depth from Maa Kamakhya Temple to Chinnamasta Temple should not exceed 1.9 m, while in front of Siddheshwar Temple, it should be limited to 3.9 m or the nearest fracture depth, whichever is shallower.
In the playground zone, the subsurface consists of about 3.2-3.5 m of soil-fill made up of coarse sand, pebbles, and clay, resting on compacted or weathered rock.
Fractures are noted at depths of 6.4-7.6 m, with geophysical data showing a transition from soil-fill to weathered rock and then to hard rock.
IIT Guwahati has advised that foundation depths in this region should be capped at 6.4 m to avoid intersecting or disturbing the fracture-controlled groundwater pathways.
“These guidelines are vital for maintaining the integrity of the natural hydro-geological system while allowing for responsible development,” the researchers stated.
Following these recommendations, the project consultant has revised the drawings to ensure that foundation depths comply with the specified limits across all four blocks.
The Public Works Department (PWD) informed the Gauhati High Court that after a comprehensive study of the area, it was “deliberately decided to locate all proposed pilgrim facilities and utility buildings over existing structures, utilizing ground that has been compacted over many years.”
On February 12, the Gauhati High Court approved the PWD's execution of the project, contingent on adherence to the precautions recommended by the research institutions.
This Rs 500-crore initiative is set to cover approximately 15,000 square meters atop the Nilachal Hills, aiming to enhance access to one of the country's most revered shrines, which attracts millions of devotees annually.
The project includes five components, featuring a three-level corridor extending approximately 350 meters from the parking area to the temple entrance.