Gaurisagar residents oppose relocation of government offices

A public meeting was convened on Wednesday in Gaurisagar, Sivasagar district, after a directive reportedly issued by the Archaeological Survey authorities under the Government of India called for the relocation of several government offices situated on the banks of the historic Gaurisagar tank. The offices slated for move include the Gaurisagar Development Block, Gaurisagar Police Station, Gaurisagar Block Primary Health Centre and the Block Elementary Education Office, all of which have been functioning at the site for several decades, according to The Sentinel Assam.

Opposition to the relocation

Local residents expressed strong opposition to the proposed shift, arguing that the move would disrupt the town’s daily functioning and erode its historical connection to the tank. Former student leader and cultural activist Bhola Kakoti criticised the Archaeology Department, alleging that it was causing disruption in the name of preserving historical heritage in Sivasagar district. Kakoti urged the people of Gaurisagar to unite to keep the offices within the town.

Public meeting and statements

The gathering at the Gaurisagar ASTC Bus Stand complex was presided over by educationist Tilak Chandra Neog and attended by prominent citizens, writers, social activists and local representatives. Noted litterateur Jibon Krishna Goswami described the institutions as "the soul of the people of Gaurisagar." He warned that removing them would leave the town isolated and weaken its social and emotional identity. The meeting provided a platform for residents to voice concerns and reaffirm their attachment to the institutions that have served the community for decades.

Formation of a convenor committee

In the wake of the meeting, a 35-member convenor committee was constituted to coordinate future public movements on the issue. The committee is expected to organise further actions, engage with authorities and seek a reversal of the relocation directive. The Sentinel Assam noted that the committee’s formation reflects the community’s determination to protect its local infrastructure and heritage.

Wider context

The dispute highlights a tension between heritage preservation efforts by central archaeological authorities and the practical needs of local populations. Residents of Gaurisagar continue to advocate for the retention of their government offices, emphasizing the role these institutions play in the town’s social cohesion and identity.