Background:

Jor-Pukhuri was built centuries ago and is believed by many to be deserving of the status of being one of heritage sites of Assam. Jor-Pukhuri or the twin ponds were built by Swargadeo Siva Singha to fulfill the requirements of water of the Ugratara Temple. It is also additionally built to connect with the great Brahmaputra River via the Naojan Channel which was operable for the naval ships and boats used by Ahom royalties who visited the Ugratara Temple. Hence, Jor-Pukhuri has a lot of historical importance attached to it. But with the passage of time, the British divided the tank into two parts by laying a road in its middle and thus the pond acquired the name Jorpukhuri (which means “a pair" in the Assamese language). Jor-Pukhuri is an excellent nesting ground for several species of birds.

In the western side of Jor-Pukhuri lies the Ugratara Temple, it is one of the most sacred Shakti temples in Assam dedicated to Sati Devi, Ugratara Temple. It was also built by Ahom ruler, Siva Singha in the year 1725 AD. Due to an earthquake, the upper section of the temple was destroyed, after which the present temple has undergone several renovations and modifications. The main sanctum of the temple has no image or idol. A small pit filled with water is considered as the Goddess. There is also a Shiva Temple beside the main temple.

Earlier the eastern side pond was shallow and covered with weed which required a proper de-siltation process. Also there were several leakages within the pond from the adjacent houses. There was no access to the pond. The whole site was under a dilapidate condition.

GMDA in collaboration with AMRUT has transformed the ponds into a beautiful visitor’s site in Guwahati city. The twin ponds have been designated as Pond-1 (western pond i.e. nearer to Ugratara Mandir) and Pond-2 (Eastern Pond). The main perspective of the project is to showcase the premises as a tourism spot and to conserve the animals and birds residing in it such as ducks, turtles, different species of birds, etc. It is an initiative of mission “Amrit Sarovar”.

Govt. Sanction No. (A.A.): AA/TCP_2020_21(I)_187, dated 11.01.2021
Total Project Cost: Rs. 3.23 Crores (i.e. Rs. 2.96 Crores from AMRUT fund and Rs. 27.76 Lakhs from GMDA fund)
Date of commencement: 09.10.2020
Opening date: 13.01.2023
Total area: Pond 1: 6200 sq.mt. & Pond 2: 7300 sq.mt.
Name of Contractor: M/S SUNIL KUMAR VERMA

Various components of the project :