GUWAHATI, June 8 � Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today inaugurated the renovated Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi�s samadhi and the gas-based crematorium at Nabagraha cremation ground here, said an official press release.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Gogoi said the newly constructed samadhi of the great son of the soil Gopinath Bordoloi would not only attract tourists but also preserve his rich legacy for posterity. Inspired by the ideals of this great patriot and front ranking freedom fighter of the country, the present Government would like to build a new Assam built on the edifice laid by him, said the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister said the various problems plaguing the city has been due to haphazard growth, encroachment of wetlands, cutting of trees and hillocks, lack of open spaces. �Our Government would like to go about in a planned manner for providing its denizens open space, market sheds, drinking water and a host of amenities through a slew of projects,� he said, adding, �we are bringing about amendments in the building bye-laws where provision will have to be made for parking of vehicles, waste management and drinking water.�
Gogoi exhorted the denizens of the city to make Guwahati city clean and green. �It will become a matter of pride for all of us if anyone praises our city for its cleanliness. If a small village of Meghalaya can become the country�s cleanest place, why not us?,� he quipped.
The Chief Minister said the gas-based crematorium, the first of its kind in the region, would not only help in cutting the cost but would also be environment-friendly.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman, GMDA, Captain Robin Bordoloi said the newly built samadhi would become a tourist attraction in the days ahead. Captain Bordoloi said the decision to shift the samadhi of the great leader from the Kalimandir site to near the Nabagraha crematorium was taken by his family members to enable the present site to be used for cultural and sporting events.
The Rs 95-lakh Gopinath Bordoloi samadhi, rechristened as the Lokapriya Shanti Sthal has been funded by Guwahati Development Department (GDD) and Kamrup Zila Parishad. The Rs 59.80 lakh gas-based crematorium built by GMDA has been funded by the GDD.
