Law to bar non-indigenous people from buying land near Batadrava Thaan: CM

GUWAHATI: On the auspicious occasion of the 575th birth anniversary of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated a number of infrastructural projects at Batadrava Thaan, costing a total of Rs 22 crore.

The foundation stones for the projects inaugurated today—a Satriya Sora, a conference hall, the Damodar Ata Tourist Guest House, and the office complex—were laid on April 16, 2021, thus leading to the completion of their construction in just 17 months. This apart, the Chief Minister also formally launched the year-long celebration of the 575th birth anniversary of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister, paying rich tributes to neo-Vaishnavite saint Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev on his 575th birth anniversary, said the Government of Assam has been relentlessly working for the development of the revered Batadrava Thaan, and the projects inaugurated today manifest that very tireless commitment of the current dispensation in the state. He added that in the days to come, steps will be taken to beautify the two ponds on the Thaan premises, build parking spaces for visitors’ vehicles, and provide washrooms and toilets for the convenience of the devotees, among others.

The Chief Minister said soon a law would be enacted to prevent the sale and purchase of land within the 8-km range of Batadrava Thaan premises to non-indigenous communities. The District Commissioner has been instructed not to give his assent to the sale or purchase of land by people belonging to non-indigenous communities until the Act is brought in and implemented, the Chief Minister added.

The Chief Minister stated that the progress on the developmental activities that were initiated outside the Batadrava Thaan premises was going on in full swing and that, till date, around 81? of those works have been completed. While the first phase’s project cost was estimated at Rs 50 crore, a total of Rs 114 crore shall be spent in the second phase of development activities, he added. The Chief Minister further added that in addition to the beatification process of Batadrava Thaan, the Government of Assam has decided to work on beautifying another 21 sites directly related to Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev, a press release said.

Today’s event was also attended by Shri Shri Salaguri Satra’s Satradhikar Jogendra Narayan Dev Mahanta, Shri Shri Noruwa Satra Satradhikar Debananda Dev Goswami, and others.

Also Read:   Xatradhikar of Batadrava Than hails Election Commission of India decision

Also Watch: