GUWAHATI: In a recent development, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the Botanical Garden at the old jail campus in Fancy Bazar will be inaugurated before Durga Puja this year.
The announcement was made during the inauguration ceremony of the Nilachal flyover in Maligaon on August 30, 2023.
Earlier, speaking to G Plus, the construction of the highly anticipated Botanical Garden at the old jail campus was set to be completed by August 15.
The ₹31-crore project got underway on January 19, 2022. Initially, the GMDA had estimated that the Botanical Garden would be completed by March of this year. However, the completion date got pushed back by several months. Covering an expansive area of 54 bighas, the Botanical Garden will utilise approximately 30 bighas of land for the garden itself while allocating 12 bighas for the construction of two ponds.
Assam CM Sarma also stated that the extension of the Mahabahu Brahmaputra River Heritage Centre shall also be inaugurated on the same day as the Botanical Garden.
Earlier speaking to G Plus, a GMDA official shared details of the ongoing work. He explained that the previous District Commissioner's Bungalow had been transformed into a landscape along with the stabilisation of the riverbank. Additionally, efforts have been made to urbanise the existing "Podum Pukhuri", known for its historical significance. "We are giving an urban touch to Podum Pukhuri," Hazarika mentioned, emphasising the efforts to beautify and modernise the area. He further stated that the complete development project would integrate seamlessly with the Mahabahu Brahmaputra River Heritage Centre.
The new infrastructure will feature two viewing decks, a sitting area, a children's park, and a gallery. This expansion will provide visitors with a beautiful space to enjoy the panoramic view of the Brahmaputra River and immerse themselves in its captivating surroundings.
To facilitate easy access to the Heritage Centre, a passage of approximately 200 meters is being constructed, stretching from the State Bank of India, Guwahati Branch to the Mahabahu Brahmaputra River Heritage Centre. This passage will serve as a direct route for tourists and locals alike to explore the rich heritage and natural beauty of the area.