STRAYING INTO MISSAMARI ARMY CAMP, NARENGI, GUWAHATI

Photo Travelogue :


It was just the other day..I took my car out for a quick drive. Being quite enchanted by the massive Amchung forest situated on the east outskirts of Guwahati city, and, having done quite a few treks deep inside on foot ( read all about them in coming posts )...I decided to scout for some motorable roads that went into the forest as well, if there were any. There should defintely be, I thought, as I drove towards Bonda, Birkuchi. The entire range instantly appears in your peripheral and stuns you. Its one of the most highest points of Guwahati and you just don't miss it. I turned at the narengi circle and took the ViP road. The hill followed my vision all the way. I came across a fork/chowk...and saw a road going left. On a whim I took that road as it was in that direction. For some time I passed by a heavily populated area. I was disappointed a bit, but drove on. Its sad, encroachent has ruined the beauty of the city. Further, it did clear a bit and my hopes grew. It seemed I was on the right track afterall because, the view of the hill was so near. However, at the end of the road stood a huge gate. To my disbelieve...the road ended just like that. Damn...I was so angry. My bad luck...I thought. It was a huge army compound gate. There was no way I could go further. I pulled my car to the side and sat for few minutes. I'd have to go back, I lamented. As I waited, I just watched the army gate. I wondered if there was any other way to go, but I saw none. But interestingly I saw many civilian vehicles and bikes going in. It was strange...even people in bicycle went in. Should I try my luck, I thought. I saw several other cars going it. These vehicles were ordinary cars and they went in so smoothly...I was intrigued. Were the army people letting the civilian cars inside too? One by one everyone just went in. I too had to try. So why not, I thought. Maybe, these cars were from the locality. I could pretend the same too, hehe. At the most I'd be denied entry. I'd return then. There was no harm in trying. That road did go to sonapur if I was not wrong ( according to maps ), maybe, it went through the army camp itself. So, lemme just try and give it a shot. With that I started my car and drove straight to the army gate.

Now, what I was not prepared was the intense checking that followed - all thanks to my black 'window' screens. Hmph! I forgot about those, lol. So, naturally I was stopped immediately at the gates. The guard saw that I was a lady, so, he was little polite - but he looked suspicious and wanted to check my car he said. I was in army territory afterall, so, had to oblige. He did tell me to go back if I didn't want to be checked, but, if I wanted to go inside the camp he'd have to check the car. It was army protocol specially cos' my car had those blackouts. Because, I do pan-india trips my car was also loaded with stuff. I decided to let them search because I really wanted to explore the area. It was my only chance. When they saw inside the car they grew more anxious and one or two other army guys joined in the check. They started questioning me...ohh...the many questions!!! I felt like some terror suspect, lol. I don't blame them, they were doing their duty. Some had those big rifles and I better give proper explanations. Some were reluctant to let me in further, while others were like 'ladies hai'..more lenient sort of. Moreover, I also got irritated and argumentative towards the end and told them to check to their full satisfaction as I was not carrying any bombs or guns. It was funny and scary, both at the same time. I told them I do travel blogging and wanted to see the area etc. Well...atlast they did let me in...Phew! Lesson learnt - Don't go into army areas with black out windows and fully loaded cars! I heaved a sign of relief and was thrilled I could explore the place at last. I relaxed and drove along the complex. It is a straight road and is neat and very well kept as a typical army place. There are many compounds within compounds that houses several branches, departments or units of the army and various offices. There are also few residential areas of native locals. I kept looking back if any army people were following me. They were none...so, I just enjoyed my time there. Its a sprawling heaven of greenery. I clicked many pics...but unfortunately my sd card got corrupted so only have a few :-(

the dreaded gates :p

inside the military camp...prim n proper...

I drove to the gate in the opposite end which is about 3-4 kms away. As I approached the gate..I saw guards again ( new ones - moustached and large eyed ); and as I expected they came towards me with suspicion - those blackout windows, the culprit ;-) This time however, I was more prepared and told them in a friendly way that the car was already checked in the previous gate, but, they could do it again if they wanted. I was like urging them...'please go on..go ahead and check'. Seeing me so eager to be checked..opening my 'car boot' etc without being asked, this time, they were not as suspicious and let me go. One was almost blushing when I said, 'aur dikhawu'? However...I told them I'll just drive and return the same way and they let me. The road ahead covers some picturesque tea gardens and beautiful hills and goes towards Sonapur; but I returned hoping to visit some other way, some other time. I had enough adventure for that day. In my return, those guards saw me...but let me go smoothly and I came back to civilization.





Being in the vicinity of the Amchung forest ( spread across 78.64 km ), beyond Satgaon in Missamari, this military camp sees elephants straying into the area quite often. Thus, it has some designated 'elephant corridors'. There have been instances of attacks and life lost in the past. Frequent trainings are given by locals, scientists and personnel of the forest departments to the army recruits on co-existence with the wild in this camp. They are instructed to stop their vehicles and allow the elephants to cross and not disturb them in any manner. Its a rarity that any army camp let general public inside its compound, so a must visit place in this case. but mind you, without blackout curtains/screens in car windows!

Missamary Army Station - Set up in 1961 The station is spread across 3,500+ acres out of which only 300 acres are built up and 3000 acres is a green patch. One of the most important Indian Army base, it houses several units including the headquarters of the 51 Sub Area. Nearly two-thirds of the Narangi military station comprises construction-free spaces where there’s an abundance of trees and ponds. It is bordered by the massive Amchung Forest. In a move to mitigate climate change, Indian Army has planned to make Narengi Military Station in Assam's capital city Guwahati a completely renewable-based military station.
Address : Narengi Army Camp, Narengi, Guwahati, Assam
Read next part - Here! Stay tuned for all my road, rail, flight, cruise & walk trips.
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