Heritage Loss: Assam’s 19th-Century Mahafezkhana Demolished

The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has demolished one of Assam’s oldest concrete structures, the Mahafezkhana (record room), sparking outrage among conservationists. The demolition, carried out for the Brahmaputra Riverfront Project, has been condemned as cultural destruction.

Built between 1855 and 1865, the 86 ft x 77 ft structure withstood major earthquakes but was razed last year. A BI Court record room on the same premises was demolished three days ago. The Mahafezkhana housed historical land records and colonial-era maps.

Experts decried the act as Assam’s disregard for its architectural heritage. GMDA defended the move, citing urban development priorities.