Shillong, Jan 29: The West Garo Hills district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS to protect the ancient Wadagokgre archaeological site from illegal digging and encroachment.
District Magistrate Vibhor Aggarwal issued the order following reports of large-scale damage to the protected site, including its ancient stupa and fortification wall, allegedly caused by soil extraction using heavy machinery. The site, spread across 15km, is a significant heritage landscape and a protected monument under the Assam Ancient Monuments and Records Act 1959.
The order prohibits digging, alteration, or construction within 4 metres of the fortification wall and associated structures. The administration warned that continued illegal activities could lead to law and order problems and the prohibitory order is effective immediately until further notice.
The area has long been under threat. In 2021 the Nokma of the area reportedly granted permission for the quarrying of stones and extraction of sand gravel from the historical site. The area was also the site of more than 300 illegal settlements as of that year.
