Guwahati (Assam) [India], September 25 (ANI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday inaugurated a number of infrastructural projects at Batadrava Thaan on the occasion of the 575th birth anniversary of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev.

Foundation stones for the projects inaugurated on Sunday which included 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. The project cost a total of Rs 22 crore.

Chief Minister Sarma also formally launched the year-long celebration of the 575th birth anniversary celebration of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev.

Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Sarma, paying rich tributes to neo-Vaishnavite saint Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev on his 575th birth anniversary, said the Assam government has been relentlessly working for the development of the revered Batadrava Thaan and the projects inaugurated on Sunday manifest that very tireless commitment of the current dispensation in the state.

The Chief Minister added that in days to come, steps will be taken to beautify the two ponds in the Thaan premises, build parking spaces for visitors' vehicles and washrooms-toilets for the convenience of the devotees, among others.

Chief Minister Sarma said soon a law would be enacted to prevent the sale and purchase of land within the eight-kilometer range of Batadrava Thaan premises to non-indigenous communities.

"The District Commissioner has been instructed not to give his assent to the sale-purchase of land to and by people belonging to non-indigenous communities till the Act is brought in and implemented," Sarma added.

Chief Minister Sarma stated that the progress on the developmental activities that were initiated outside the Batadrava Thaan premises was going in full swing and that to date, around 81 per cent 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.

Chief Minister Sarma further added that in addition to the beatification process of Batadrava Thaan, the Assam government has decided to work on the beautification of another 21 sites directly related to Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev.

Sunday's event was also attended by Shri Shri Salaguri Satra's Satradhikar Jogendra Narayan Dev Mahanta, Shri Shri Noruwa Satra Satradhikar Debananda Dev Goswami, Members of Assam Legislative Assembly Rupak Sarma, Jitu Goswami, Sashi Kanta Das, along with a host of other dignitaries. (ANI)