Assam: Dhubri Ashokastami Mela Maidan land-filling work sparks debate, committee defends move

Land-filling work at the historic Ashokastami Mela Maidan in Dhubri has sparked a local controversy following the telecast of a report on the activity by a satellite news channel.

The controversy centres on footage showing a mixture of mud and water being pumped into the low-lying fairground near the main road.

Addressing the media, Biplab Paul, General Secretary of the Ashokastami Mela Maidan Committee, defended the work, stating that it was undertaken in the interest of the public.

Paul said the ground's low elevation makes it vulnerable to waterlogging and poor drainage, particularly as it is situated below the level of the adjoining main road. He said the filling work was considered necessary to make the venue more accessible and suitable for public gatherings and cultural events.

“This is a space meant for the community, cultural harmony and public welfare—not for any single private beneficiary,” Paul said.

Responding to questions over the involvement of the Divisional Forest Office (DFO) and the Forest Range Officer of Dhubri Division, the committee maintained that the work was not carried out arbitrarily.

According to Paul, the committee had obtained verbal permission from the DFO office. He said a motor was connected to the nearby Gadadhar river through a plastic pipe to pump a mixture of silt and water into the ground to level the uneven terrain.

The committee expressed concern that the telecast had created confusion and cast suspicion on forest officials and organisers involved in the work.

It urged the media and residents to verify the facts before drawing conclusions, reiterating that the initiative was intended to improve the ground for future community events.