The West Garo Hills district administration has banned digging of soil and any form of damage, alteration or misuse of protected structures along the 15km stretch of the Wadagokgre archaeological site. In this regard, the district, the district administration has issued an order aimed at protecting the historical site from decades of illegal encroachment and environmental degradation. The move comes in the wake of illegal settlers reportedly occupying land protected under both the Assam Ancient Monuments and Records Act and the 6th Schedule of the Constitution.
West Garo Hills district Deputy Commissioner said the 15-km stretch of the Wadagokgre (Bhaitbari) archaeological site and ancient fortified area is a protected site. The Act prohibits the destruction, removal, alteration, or misuse of protected monuments, including a four-meter buffer zone required for preservation. According to reports, the site — spanning Rajpur, Wadagokgre, Gandhipara, Balujhora, Nayagaon, Belbari, and Tinmuni — has faced significant encroachment.
Settlers have reportedly caused wilful damage to ancient stupas and fortification walls by using heavy machinery to extract soil, leading to irreversible structural weakening. The stretch has been in the news for violations and illegal stone quarrying. Recently, a member of the ACHIK group was killed following a confrontation with miscreants over illegal quarrying in the area.