BY OUR STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI, Aug 21: The Assam government is yet to complete construction of the modern Guwahati Haj Bhawan at Jalukbari to accommodate thousands of Muslim pilgrims from the region who go to Mecca every year.
The foundation stone of the 4-storey Haj Bhawan was laid in 2008 on a plot measuring two bighas, but the government has maged to complete construction of two floors so far, despite release of Rs 4 crore and Rs 37.5 lakh by the government and the Central Haj Committee respectively for the purpose.
The Kamrup (Metro) DC had sanctioned money from the 'untied fund' for construction of the Haj Bhawan, but neither did he submit any report on the same to the government, nor did he keep any account of how much money was spent for the purpose. This was revealed in an answer furnished by the State government against a Right to Information (RTI) query.
When asked if there is any possibility of completion of construction of the whole building soon and within a specific time-frame, the government, in the RTI, has admitted that it would be difficult to give any time-frame.
Sources said going by such slow progress of work and Dispur's hitherto apathetic attitude, it would take several years more to complete the construction.
Muslim citizens here have criticized the previous Congress government for the inordite delay in executing the project which promised to provide many facilities for Haj pilgrims, who presently lodge at Haji Musafir Kha before leaving for the holy pilgrimage to Mecca.
On this issue, State Joint Haj Committee chairman Nekibur Jaman said, "We think Jalukbari is not the best location for the Haj Bhawan, as the plot area is not sufficient for a building of that size, and there are security issues as well. The Azara area near the airport at Borjhar would have been the right place for the Haj Bhawan."
Jaman has also demanded an inquiry into the reasons for delay in completion of construction of the Haj Bhawan, the foundation stone for which was laid eight years back.