3 sites around Guwahati to be developed as tourist attraction

Assam government has decided to develop three major sites around Guwahati--Kamakhya Temple, Umananda and Gandhi Mandap--to promote them as places of tourist and spiritual attraction, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said today.
"Our Government is planning to develop Kamakhya Temple into a world class tourist and spiritual destination by upgrading the prevailing infrastructure and ensuring cleanliness in and around the temple," Sonowal said in a release.
"The second plan includes upgrading Umananda island, which with its temple is a natural treasure in the heart of the Brahmaputra river.
"If utilised to its full potential, Umananda can be a huge boon for the state in terms of developing tourism and adding another feather in a revitalised brand Assam," he said.

In a similar manner, Gandhi Mandap at Sarania in Guwahati has tremendous potential to be transformed into an international peace pilgrimage and tourist destination.
"We are planning to renovate the Mandap and create a beautiful environment in the entire area which is situated on a hill top. It gives a panoramic view of Guwahati city along with the mighty Brahmaputra and the nearby hills. Our Government is planning to build a tower at this site from where tourists can view the entire Guwahati city," he said.

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The chief minister also directed the DGP to submit a
detailed project report for setting up of a model hospital and Assam Police Public School on lines with the ones having been constructed for Indian Army.

The police department was directed to introduce forensic science programme in Assam in the same module prepared and taught by Gujarat Forensic Science University, the release said.
Sonowal further mooted the idea of publishing a booklet incorporating all inputs that Assam Police put in for investigating and controlling corruptions.
Calling for revamp of the Village Defence Parties (VDPs), the Chief Minister asked the DGP to bring the char (riverine) and other interior areas completely within the purview of VDPs.
For empowerment of women and enabling them to address any injustice perpetrated on them, Sonowal stressed on including at least five women into VDP units.

Advocating for observing Village Defence Party Day on January 29 in a befitting manner so that the occasion becomes a source of inspiration for the VDP personnel, he wanted them to bring out a souvenir 'Ahuti' depicting the sacrifices of 'Harinarayan Baruah' and other protagonists of VDP.
Chief Secretary Vinod Kumar Pipersenia, DGP Mukesh Sahay, Commissioner and Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjay Lohia and senior civil and police officers were present at the meeting, the release added.