GUWAHATI, May 24 � The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has started the process for selection of technical consultants to prepare a detailed project report for conversion of the old DC bungalow at Panbazar into a Heritage and Handloom Museum.
GMDA chief executive officer (CEO) Dr M Angamuthu told The Assam Tribune that the DPR will include a master plan of the site with an integrated design of all facilities, including architectural concept plans, complete structural and engineering services design and landscape design.
Architects and architectural firms wanting to take up the project have been asked to submit their proposals by June 18.
�The administrative approval for the project has already been received from the state government. We are keen to start the actual work on conversion of the bungalow at the earliest,� Angamuthu said.
He said GMDA want to get the best possible consultant from across the country for the project. �We want to convert and renovate the structure but at the same time our effort would be to ensure that the architectural heritage and original touch of the place is not lost. The aim is to develop the place as a major tourist attraction and work would be undertaken in the entire vacated DC bungalow area,� the GMDA CEO said.
The conversion of the old DC bungalow into a Heritage and Handloom Museum is part of the Rs 600-crore waterfront beautification project along the Brahmaputra river announced earlier by the State government. The government has sanctioned Rs 7.46 crore for the DC bungalow conversion project, including consultancy charges.
According to a senior GMDA official, after selection of the technical consultant, financial bids would be drawn up before tenders for various works at the conversion site are invited. �While details will be worked out once the consultant is selected, our emphasis would be to give an artistic touch to the whole bungalow area with landscaping, environmental lighting, rest sheds and beautification of the existing underground water tank, among other things� the official said.
He said that a topographical and geo-technical survey will be made by GMDA in consultation with the selected consultant.
The vacated DC bungalow area is of about 13,600 square metre. Besides the heritage bungalow, there is an underground water tank. Being on the riverfront, the area is considered a place of scenic beauty and a major vantage point in the city.
