The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) has advised strict adherence to depth-related precautions recommended by the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) during the construction of the ₹500-crore Maa Kamakhya Access Corridor Project. This is to mitigate potential disruptions to crucial fracture-controlled groundwater pathways.
The recommendations followed two petitions presented to the Gauhati High Court, prompting the government to commission a comprehensive geophysical and hydrological survey by the Roorkee-based NIH to evaluate the possible environmental repercussions of the project. IIT Guwahati subsequently reviewed the NIH report.
The investigation of the proposed construction layout against identified fracture systems revealed interconnected fractures at depths of 1.9 to 10.5 metres along the area from the Kamakhya Temple to the Chinnamasta Temple, with additional fractures detected between depths of 3.9 to 8.1 metres within the Siddheshwar Temple grounds. The report stipulated that foundation depths should not exceed 1.9 metres on the section between the Maa Kamakhya Temple and Chinnamasta Temple, and no more than 3.9 metres in front of the Siddheshwar Temple, emphasizing the need to prevent interference with the natural subsurface flow regime.
In the playground area, the soil fill consists of approximately 3.2 to 3.5 metres of coarse-grained sand, pebbles, and clay, underlain by weathered or compacted rock. Fractures were observed at depths of 6.4 to 7.6 metres. IIT Guwahati advised that foundation depths should be restricted to a maximum of 6.4 metres to preserve the integrity of fracture-controlled groundwater pathways.
These guidelines are deemed crucial for protecting the natural hydrogeological system while allowing responsible development to proceed. In response to the recommendations, the project consultant has revised the construction drawings to comply with the prescribed foundation depth limits across all blocks.
The Public Works Department has reported to the Gauhati High Court that after thorough examination, the decision was made to position all proposed pilgrim facilities and utility buildings predominantly over areas of existing houses, which have been compacted over many years. On February 12, the High Court permitted the project to move forward, pending compliance with the stipulated recommendations from the research institutions.
The project, which spans approximately 15,000 square metres on the Nilachal Hills, aims to enhance access to the revered Kamakhya Temple, which draws millions of visitors annually. It will feature multiple components, including a three-level corridor of about 350 metres leading from the parking area to the temple entrance.