HT Correspondent
MORIGAON, June 17: A government building that remained unused for nearly a decade in Morigaon town has been transformed into the Apsara Wedding Hall and Guest House, emerging as a model of public asset revitalisation and sustainable resource utilisation.
The structure was originally constructed around ten years ago at a cost of ₹75 lakh as a single-storeyed building with four rooms.
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However, the absence of essential infrastructure such as water supply, electricity and furnishings prevented it from becoming operational, leaving the facility abandoned for several years.
In April 2025, the Morigaon district administration initiated a redevelopment project to convert the unused structure into a modern wedding hall and guest house.
The project began with an investment of ₹25 lakh and was later expanded with an additional allocation of ₹36 lakh from the Morigaon Zilla Parishad’s own source revenue fund.
As part of the redevelopment, the building was upgraded into a three-storeyed facility.
The first floor was designed to accommodate guest reception areas and three dedicated rooms, including a bridal preparation room, a VIP room and a resting space for senior citizens and family members.
The second floor houses a modern kitchen, store room, dining hall, washrooms and an open-sky dining area.
The complex also includes seven guest rooms, including two suites, which function as part of the guest house facility.
Construction was completed in October 2025, and the facility was inaugurated on October 22, 2025, by then Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika.
Environmental sustainability was incorporated into the project through plantation drives and the development of landscaped gardens within the premises.
Officials said the facility also has a social welfare component, with provisions to make the wedding hall available for five days each month to brides from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
From a financial perspective, the wedding hall has been leased out for five years at an annual lease value of ₹10.50 lakh, while the guest house is expected to generate additional recurring revenue for the local administration.
Officials associated with the project said the concept of converting the abandoned structure into a wedding hall was conceived by former Morigaon Deputy Commissioner Debasish Sarma, with the implementation entrusted to Morigaon Zilla Parishad under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer.
Assistant Engineer and Technical Member of the Construction Committee Hitesh Deka attributed the project’s success to the collective efforts of the engineering team and support from the district administration. The Apsara Wedding Hall and Guest House is now being viewed as a successful example of how neglected public infrastructure can be transformed into a socially beneficial and financially sustainable community asset through effective planning and execution.
