The West Garo Hills district administration has taken preemptive measures to safeguard the Wadagokgre archaeological site, encompassing a 15-kilometer stretch along which activities such as soil digging and any form of damage or alteration to protected structures are strictly prohibited. This order is a response to longstanding issues of illegal encroachment and environmental degradation affecting the site, which is legally protected under the Assam Ancient Monuments and Records Act as well as the 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills emphasized that this archaeological site, particularly the Bhaitbari area, is classified as protected, and any actions leading to the destruction, removal, alteration, or misuse of its monuments are illegal. The legislation also mandates a four-meter buffer zone surrounding these sites to ensure their preservation.
Reports indicate that the site, which spans across multiple villages including Rajpur, Wadagokgre, Gandhipara, Balujhora, Nayagaon, Belbari, and Tinmuni, has experienced significant encroachment by illegal settlers. These settlers have reportedly inflicted deliberate damage on ancient stupas and fortification walls using heavy machinery to extract soil, resulting in irreversible damage to the structural integrity of these historical monuments.
Additionally, the area has been under scrutiny for various violations, particularly concerning illegal stone quarrying. Recent incidents have escalated to violence, including the reported death of a member of the ACHIK group due to a confrontation with individuals involved in illegal quarrying activities in the region.