The historic Moran Golf Course in Upper Assam is facing the risk of large-scale land conversion after allegations that parts of the course have been ploughed for tea plantation purposes, threatening its survival as a heritage and sports institution.

About Moran Golf Course

• Located in Moran, Dibrugarh district, adjacent to the Moran airstrip.
• Spread over 20.30 hectares, within the Thowra Tea Estate.
• Officially listed by the Department of Tourism, Assam as a State tourism and heritage asset.
• Archival records show it once served as a landing and take-off ground for light aircraft, linking it to Assam’s early civil aviation history.

Nature of the Threat

• Around 8 hectares of the golf course were allegedly converted into plantation land in 2023.
• Fresh attempts are reportedly underway to plough the remaining portions.
• Earlier destruction in 2021 damaged seven of the original nine holes and led to the demolition of a historic aircraft hangar.
• The course was later reduced to a six-hole layout due to land loss.

Social and Sporting Significance

• The course has played a vital role in nurturing golfing talent from the tea community of Upper Assam.
• The Upper Assam Golf Association conducts caddie tournaments here.
• Selected caddies receive training, mentoring, and exposure to national-level golf circuits.
• Several former caddies have progressed to become coaches and course managers across India.

One-line Wrap

The threat to Moran Golf Course reflects the larger challenge of protecting heritage and community-based sports spaces amid land-use pressures.

Exam Hook – 

With reference to the Moran Golf Course, consider the following statements:

1. It is officially recognised as a State tourism and heritage asset by the Assam government.
2. The golf course has historically contributed to grooming golf talent from tea garden communities.
3. The course is fully owned and managed by the Department of Tourism, Assam.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer: 1 and 2 only

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