The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma underscoring its importance for Assam's future. “An area of 5 km surrounding any iconic structure over 250 years old will be designated as a Heritage Belt and Block. However, considering Majuli's immense historical significance, the entire district will be declared a Heritage Block,” he announced. Under this new provision, Majuli Island—an island district that is the cultural heart of Assam's Vaishnavite heritage—along with a 5-km radius around the revered Barpeta Satra and Bordowa Than in Battadrava, will receive special protection. These areas will be subject to strict regulations, ensuring that land transactions are limited to those who have resided in the region for at least three generations. The amendment aims to curb commercial pressures and protect the sanctity of these culturally significant sites.
The newly added Chapter 12 to the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation Act will formally establish these Heritage Belts and Blocks around iconic structures. Chief Minister Sarma reflected on the importance of the amendment, stating, “Had this law been implemented earlier, the environment around these historic sites could have been better preserved.” He further emphasized that this move represents a "historic moment for the state." Beyond heritage preservation, the Assam cabinet is also focusing on protecting the cultural identity of the state’s indigenous communities.
This proactive initiative is seen as a crucial measure to ensure the continued preservation of Assam's diverse cultural landscape, safeguarding the future of its indigenous communities while protecting the state's historic and cultural legacy. This amendment marks a new chapter in Assam's commitment to cultural preservation, setting a precedent for other states to follow in recognizing and safeguarding their own heritage.
