Sivasagar Municipal Board carries out pre-monsoon cleaning drive at Borpukhuri

Dibrugarh: The Sivasagar Municipal Board conducted a large-scale cleaning drive at the historic Borpukhuri, also known as the Sivasagar Tank, in Sivasagar town on Wednesday, ahead of the monsoon season.Workers and civic personnel deployed by the municipal board cleared accumulated silt, aquatic weeds, plastic waste and other debris from the lake and its surrounding areas. The drive was aimed at ensuring that the drainage systems and embankments of the historic water body remain in proper condition before the onset of rains.Borpukhuri, which literally translates to “big tank” in Assamese, is a man-made freshwater lake located in the heart of Sivasagar. The lake was built by Queen Ambika, wife of Ahom king Siva Singha, in 1734. It covers an area of 120 acres and has a depth of 64 feet. The town of Sivasagar derives its name from this lake, and its banks are home to the Sivadol complex, comprising three temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga. The lake is widely regarded as a symbol of the engineering capabilities of the Ahom dynasty and remains a tourist attraction in the region.Sivasagar Municipal Board chairperson Mrinali Konwar said the cleaning drive was part of the board's pre-monsoon preparedness measures. "Borpukhuri is a heritage site of national importance. Keeping it clean and ensuring its proper upkeep before the monsoon is a priority for the municipal board," she said.She added that the drive would continue over the next few days, with special focus on the ghats and pathways used by devotees visiting the temples situated along the banks of the lake.The Borpukhuri sits at a higher elevation than the rest of the town and is flanked by the Sivadol, which stands at 104 feet, along with the Vishnudol and Devidol temples. The site draws pilgrims and tourists throughout the year and is considered one of the most significant heritage landmarks in upper Assam.