Green recovery: Trees now surround the Ghuguha Doul premises. Telegraph picture

Dec. 11: A once-neglected temple dating back to the Ahom era is getting a new look to attract more tourists.

According to historians, Ghuguha Doul near Dhemaji town was built by Ahom king Sudangfa, popularly known as Bamuni Konwar.

The doul (temple) was named after Ghuguhi, Sudangfa’s mother and wife of Ahom king Tai Khamti, who stayed here.

In the absence of proper maintenance, the premises was in a dilapidated condition.

“If properly given shape, the site, nearly 20km from Dhemaji town, can attract more visitors,” Rajib Pegu, a resident of Dhemaji, said.

Besides laying of approach roads, ornamental trees have also been planted to make the visitors have a fresh feel.

Swragadeo Sudangfa provided 216 bighas for the temple. It is surrounded by three earthen garhs (boundaries) and a garh made of brick. There are two ancient ponds.

Under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, Dhemaji development block has been entrusted with renovating the temple premises.

Funds were being provided from the rural job scheme for renovation of the earthen garh, earth filling of the main campus, construction of approach roads, excavation of new ponds, renovation of existing tanks, plantation of ornamental and other valuable trees like, Nahar, Sisu, Simolu, Soom (host plant of muga silk), Nabin Kaman, a District Rural Development Agency official said. “Construction of boundary and the main entrance have been completed and Rs 40 lakh utilised for preservation,” Kaman said.

“It is not that the government never cared to preserve the Ahom-era monument. Lack of funds stood in the way of renovation,” an official said.

The official added that local people should bring to their notice monuments that require renovation so that the surrounding areas can be given a new look.

“They can provide invaluable information on the monuments. Scholars who conduct research can also enlighten us and that could be of immense help.”

Ghuguha Doul is located in the western part of Dhemaji district which is a flood-affected area.

Ravaged by floods, Dhemaji is hard hit as communication lines get cut off during the monsoon, making it almost impossible for the administration to function.

Although Assam has a glorious past, very few attempts have so far been made to preserve its relics.