The Assam government on Thursday launched the Rs 140-crore project for the beautification of the Rang Ghar, a two-storey Ahom era amphitheatre near Sivasagar town and a symbol of the state’s cultural heritage.

Attending the bhoomi puja of the project, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa said the beautification plan includes building an encroachment-free perimeter and a 3,000 seater amphitheatre over a 27-acre plot and developing it as a tourist destination.

The foundation of the mega project, about 360km east of Guwahati, was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year.

Flagging the significance of the Rang Ghar and the project, Sarma said in a post on his X handle, “Constructed 280 years ago, Rang Ghar is not only Asia’s oldest surviving amphitheatre but lies at the heart of Assam’s Sanskriti and Sabhyata. Today, I sought the blessings of our ancestors as we begin beautification works to preserve this living monument for another 1,000 years.”

The government has acquired 78 bigha private land for the project which will be spread over 83 bigha and has set a completion deadline of 2026, the year the state has its Assembly polls.

Rang Ghar, 3km from Sivasagar in upper Assam, was built by Ahom King Swargadeo Promotta Singha in 1744 AD for “enjoyment of recreational/sports activities by the royal families and public of the Ahom dynasty”.

The Ahoms ruled for nearly 600 years and still play a decisive role in electoral politics.

The beautification project includes setting up an artisan village to showcase local handicraft, cuisine and traditional attires to visitors and sustain the local economy.