Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday reviewed several major infrastructure and cultural projects in Guwahati, including the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Tirtha, the Assam Police Reserve redevelopment project, and the ongoing modernisation of the Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden.
The Chief Minister paid tribute to music legend Dr. Bhupen Hazarika at the Samannay Tirtha in Jalukbari and reviewed facilities at the memorial complex with officials from the Cultural Affairs Department and the Public Works Department. He announced plans to redesign the memorial to better reflect the life, works, and legacy of the iconic singer, composer, and cultural icon.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies will be introduced to offer visitors immersive experiences, including virtual interactions with Dr. Hazarika and digital access to his music and literary contributions. An open-air stage will be constructed within the complex, and a government committee will be formed to manage the memorial and hold year-round cultural events based on his creations.
The Chief Minister also inspected the ongoing redevelopment of the Assam Police Reserve campus at Paltan Bazar, which will provide residential accommodation for over 600 police personnel. The campus will also house a school, temple, namghar, playground, press conference hall, and administrative offices. A separate residential building for 42 police officers is under construction at Panbazar.
Chief Minister Sarma reviewed the Rs 360-crore modernisation project at the Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden, inspecting the under-construction veterinary hospital, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre, and museum. He directed authorities to consult leading veterinary experts while developing the hospital and asked them to examine the feasibility of introducing an internal train service for visitors.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the health of three rescued red pandas, which were brought to the zoo after being rescued from wildlife traffickers earlier this year.
