Guwahati, Feb 14 : The mighty Brahmaputra that flows through Guwahati will soon be the main tourist draw in the city as the state goes ahead to revamp and beautify the riverfront with a slew of projects.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi yesterday laid the foundation stone of Brahmaputra Riverfront Development Project and inaugurated a memorial in the city.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the riverfront development of the Brahmaputra has been a dream project for him.
''It has been my pet project since long. Things have fallen into place and people have realised the importance of open free space in which they can have sufficient breathing space and enjoy the beauty of the majestic river at its very best,'' he said.
The Chief Minister said the river front development project would not only add beauty and grandeur to the premier capital city of Assam and the gateway to the North East region but also provide the denizens of the city communion with nature.
''Opening up of the river front to the masses would in a way change the outlook towards life and make them feel in complete communion with nature,'' he added.
Minister for Guwahati Development Department Himanta Biswa Sharma said the ambitious project of developing the riverfront has taken off with everyone realising that they need breathing space and a healthy life amid the din and bustle of a city life.
Sharma said the 20-km stretch from Kamakhya to Uzanbazar would be done in a phased manner.
He thanked the DGP and DC, Kamrup (Metro) for vacating their official bungalows, the Chief Judicial Magistrate for agreeing to shift the CJM court, the Forest Department and others for the purpose of developing the riverfront.
''At one point of time, I have had doubts whether the dream project of our Chief Minister would ever be translated into reality.
But things have become hassle-free, thanks to everyone’s cooperation. Today, I can say without any doubt that this project commencing from today from the premises of old DC’s bungalow would give an entirely new look to Guwahati, for which every Guwahatian would be proud of,'' he said.
The project to be carried out in phases would be completed in the next three years and the estimated cost would be to the tune of Rs 300-400 crore. Godowns located in the main Fancy Bazar area would be relocated elsewhere.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated a memorial for freedom fighters Kanaklata Baruah, Kushal Konwar, Gomadhar Konwar, Maniram Dewan, Piyali Baruah, Piyali Phukan, Kamala Miri and Bhogeswari Phukanani at Bharalumukh on the banks of the Brahmaputra.
