Guwahati (Assam) [India], July 11 (ANI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday visited Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Tirtha at Jalukbari in Guwahati and paid tribute to the legendary music maestro.
According to the official statement by the CM’s Office, he later inspected the ongoing infrastructure development works at Assam Police reserve campus in Paltan Bazar and the Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden.
While visiting Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Tirtha, the Chief Minister reviewed the facilities at the complex and held discussions with officials of the Cultural Affairs Department and the Public Works Department on measures to make the Samannay Tirtha into a more vibrant cultural destination.
The Chief Minister said that the existing monument would be suitably redesigned in keeping with the life, works and legacy of Bhupen Hazarika.
He added that advanced technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) would be introduced to enable visitors to have immersive digital experiences, including taking virtual selfies with Hazarika and engaging with his music through interactive platforms. “Digital technologies would also be used to familiarise the younger generation with the rich literary and musical legacy of the legendary artiste.”
The Chief Minister also said that an open-air stage would be constructed within the Samannay Tirtha.
“A government committee would also be constituted to manage the complex. Apart from organising programmes on the birth and death anniversaries of Bhupen Hazarika, the committee would ensure year-round cultural activities and programmes centred around his creations to keep the Samannay Tirtha vibrant.”
Later, the CM inspected the ongoing redevelopment of the Assam Police Reserve campus at Paltan Bazar.
The project, being implemented at an estimated cost of around Rs 600 crore, would provide residential accommodation for over 600 police inspectors, sub-inspectors and constables.
The campus would also include a school, a temple, a namghar, a press conference hall, a playground and the office of the Assam Police Reserve. As part of the project, a separate residential building is also being constructed at Panbazar to accommodate 42 police officers, the CMO stated.
Sarma also inspected the ongoing modernisation works at the Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden.
He visited the under-construction veterinary hospital, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre and museum, and later chaired a review meeting with the senior officials of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department and the Public Works Department in the presence of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah.
During the review, the Chief Minister directed that the veterinary hospital should be developed after consulting leading veterinary experts of the country.
He also advised the authorities to examine the feasibility of introducing an internal train service within the zoo to enhance visitor convenience.
“The Government of Assam is implementing the modernisation of the Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden at an estimated cost of Rs 360 crore. The project aims to modernise the zoo by improving visitor facilities while creating a more natural and conducive habitat for wildlife.”
“Around 27 per cent of the project has already been completed.”
The CM also reviewed the health of the three rescued red pandas housed at the zoo.
“The red pandas had been rescued from wildlife traffickers in February this year and subsequently brought to the Assam State Zoo for care and rehabilitation.” (ANI)
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