Guwahati, Assam, April 2 (HBTV): The Assam Government has come under fire from residents of Guwahati following the demolition of the historic Mahafezkhana building as part of a beautification drive. Citizens and heritage activists have expressed strong opposition, calling the move a major loss to the city’s rich historical legacy.

Senior citizen and heritage enthusiast Ajay Kr Dutta voiced his disappointment, stating, “It is not just Mahafezkhana—many other historical sites have already been demolished. Guwahati was once Pragjyotishpur, a city with deep historical and mythological roots. We have erased connections to the Mahabharata era, and many significant locations such as Jeblak Ashram, Rajgarh, Bhangagarh, and Mamai Kata Garh have been destroyed in the name of development.”

Dutta said development should not come at the cost of history.  

“A city cannot be built by destroying its heritage. I have been a part of Guwahati for six generations, and I feel a deep connection to its past. This is not a political issue—it is about preserving our history. A heritage that is lost has no future,” he added.

Another resident, Kalash Sarma, who is also the secretary of Save Guwahati, Build Guwahati, echoed similar concerns. He emphasized that Mahafezkhana, built in 1855 during the British era, was a 170-year-old structure of historical significance.

"While we support development, heritage sites should be preserved, not demolished. Just like the DC Bungalow was converted into a heritage center, Mahafezkhana could have been restored and turned into a monument. Such places attract people from around the world, but instead of conservation, these demolitions happen overnight, without consulting the public," Sarma said.

Residents have demanded accountability for the demolition and urged authorities to take immediate steps to protect remaining heritage structures in the city.