Seismic operations unlikely to cause damage to 'Rang Ghar'

New Delhi (PTI): The 18th century amphitheatre constructed by Ahom rulers in Assam is unlikely to be damaged by the seismic operations carried out by state-owned ONGC to explore hydrocarbon.

"It has been scientifically proved that seismic surveys do not cause damage to any monuments. It is a very safe procedure," Deputy General Manager (PR) of ONGC Dilip Das said.

It has been alleged by various local groups that ONGC's seismic surveys to find oil and gas has caused several cracks on the walls of 'Rang Ghar'.

The 'Rang Ghar', said to be the oldest amphitheatre in Asia, is a two-storey building of red bricks constructed by Ahom king Pramatta Singha in 1746. It was used as a sports-cum-cultural pavilion from which the Ahom kings and nobles witnessed sports and cultural programmes at the Rupahi Pathar (field) in Assam's Sivasagar.

Das said the ONGC has already closed its operations respecting the sentiments of the local people.

In a seismic survey, controlled explosions are carried out underground, usually below 18 metre, and sensors are then used to determine whether the area has hydrocarbon.

All Assam Tai Ahom Students Union had called a 100-hour bandh against ONGC which started from August 23.

Meanwhile, Archaeological Survey of India did not rule out the possibility of the cracks being caused to Rang Ghar by the seismic operations.


Courtesy:thehindu.com
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