Storm damages 500-year-old heritage banyan tree, temple structures in Assam's Dhubri

A severe storm accompanied by high-velocity winds struck parts of Assam's Dhubri district on Wednesday afternoon, causing extensive damage to the historic Dhorarghat Bottala Dham in Dhorarghat Battala village.  The storm hit the area at approximately 1:30 p.m., uprooting a substantial portion of a centuries-old banyan tree believed to be over 500 years old.

The massive tree, regarded as a significant religious and cultural landmark by local residents, collapsed onto the temple premises, severely damaging key structures within the sacred complex.  According to local accounts, the fallen trunk and large branches crashed onto the Namghar, the traditional Vaishnavite prayer hall, causing major damage to its roof and supporting framework. 

The adjoining Nat-Mandir, or dance hall, also sustained extensive structural damage, with broken pillars, scattered debris and sections of tin roofing left destroyed in the aftermath.  Residents said weather conditions deteriorated rapidly within minutes. Strong winds swept through the village, followed by the collapse of the historic banyan tree that had stood at the site for generations.  Despite the scale of destruction, no casualties or injuries were reported. The temple premises were relatively unoccupied when the storm struck, preventing what could have been a major tragedy.  Following the incident, villagers gathered at the site to assess the damage. Members of the Dhorarghat Bottala Dham managing committee, along with local youth volunteers, immediately launched efforts to clear the fallen branches and secure the affected structures to prevent further damage.  

The Dhorarghat Bottala Dham serves as an important centre for religious, cultural and community activities in the region. The damage to the heritage site has prompted concern among residents, who have appealed to the district administration and the state government for immediate financial assistance and technical support for restoration and conservation efforts.  Local residents have also urged authorities to take necessary steps to preserve the remaining portions of the historic banyan tree, which has long been considered a symbol of the area's cultural and spiritual heritage.