HT Correspondent
SIVASAGAR, June 29: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday visited the site of the ongoing Rangghar Beautification Project in Sivasagar to review the progress of the ₹118.2 crore tourism initiative, which commenced on August 16, 2022.
The ambitious project includes the development of a wide range of infrastructure and tourist amenities such as a guest house, staff quarters, resort, cultural complex, artisans’ village, food court, boathouse, amphitheatre, audio-visual room, clock tower, VIP lounge, water treatment plant, sewage treatment plant, and a musical fountain.
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During his visit, the chief minister first entered the premises of the historic Rangghar to inspect the drainage works intended to address rainwater accumulation.
He then held detailed discussions with the implementing authorities and the Sivasagar district administration, focusing on strategies to make the project more tourist-friendly.
Sarma proposed a direct entrance from the Rangghar premises to the new development instead of a circuitous approach road, emphasising integration over separation.
Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said that earth-filling work is nearly complete and that the project is expected to take a definitive shape by March next year.
He stressed that his government is prioritizing the completion of ongoing development works before the 2026 elections.
On the sidelines of the visit, the Sivasagar Municipality Tax Payers’ Association, led by president M K Borthakur and secretary Arabinda Baruah, submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister.
Their demands included the construction of a flyover from the ASTC point to Darikapar to ease congestion at Station Chariali and the replacement of the existing British-era iron bridge over the Dikhow River with a modern structure.
In response, Sarma assured the delegation that efforts would be made to implement these infrastructure projects after the upcoming cabinet sitting proposed to be held in Sivasagar in September.
Addressing media queries, the chief minister stated that the power to issue Aadhaar cards has now been delegated to District Commissioners instead of RCOs to tighten and streamline the process.
Responding to a separate question, Sarma noted that online platforms like Google are not the final authorities in certifying historical facts such as the identity of India’s first martyr.
He added that if Assam wishes to officially recognise Swahid Peoli Phukan and Jeuram Duliabarua as the first martyrs of India’s freedom struggle, a university-led research project must be undertaken to support such a claim.
Later in the day, the chief minister also visited Bhatiapar Barichuk to inspect the site of a recent gas burst, which has now been successfully capped by ONGC.
He concluded his visit with an inspection of the newly constructed Baliaghat Harmotigarh bridge over the Dikhow River, where he issued instructions to relevant department heads for completing the approach roads to the bridge.
