Beside the four-lane National Highway 37 in Kaliabor, two important remains of medieval Assam’s military history are now under illegal occupation. These structures are known as Misa Koth and Chamdhara Garh. They are located in the Misa and Rongagora area of Kaliabor. Local people say the matter has been ignored for many years.
Historians say Misa Koth was an important defence point during the Ahom period. According to local history, Lachit Hatibaruah, a general under the Ahom commander Lachit Borphukan, died here while fighting against Mir Jumla’s invasion in 1662. Many believe that the site carries deep cultural value for Assam. Today, the area is surrounded by illegal settlers, temporary constructions, and neglect.
Chamdhara Garh, also known as Chamdhara Fort, stands close to Misa along NH-37. It is linked to the historic battles between the Ahoms and the Mughals, including the Battle of Samdhara. Once a strategic military fortification, the structure now lies in ruins. Local organisations claim that illegal occupation has damaged parts of the fort and threatens whatever is left of the historic remains. 
Many groups have raised concern. Among them, the Nagaon District Sahitya Sabha has publicly appealed to the government for action. The Sabha said the two sites should be cleared of encroachments without delay and preserved properly for future generations. Members say heritage sites should not disappear due to negligence and lack of planning.
Though eviction drives against encroachments are being carried out in several parts of Assam, including in Nagaon district, local residents allege that government agencies appear reluctant to touch these particular locations. They point out that other encroachments are removed quickly, but these historic areas continue to shrink under pressure from illegal occupants.
Local organisations such as Bir Lachit Sena have earlier demanded immediate government intervention for protection of the two sites. They say the forts remind people of Assam’s resistance against outside invasions and should be properly secured and restored. Residents of the area fear that if urgent steps are not taken, the remaining structures of Misa Koth and Chamdhara Garh may disappear completely.
People living around NH-37 also expressed concern that the rapid growth of settlements and expanding highway-side activity is putting additional pressure on the heritage zones. Some say that proper fencing, signboards, and heritage notices should be placed to inform visitors and prevent further encroachment.
