Letters to the EDITOR: Unlocking Assam’s unused tourism assets

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Unlocking Assam’s unused tourism assets

Across Assam, a significant number of tourist properties owned by the government have been lying unused for years, gradually falling into a state of neglect and dilapidation. Unfortunately, there seems to be no serious or visible initiative from the government to revive, renovate, or repurpose these valuable assets.

This is particularly disheartening at a time when a large section of the state’s youth is actively seeking opportunities to engage in business ventures, especially in the tourism sector, which holds immense potential in Assam due to its rich natural beauty and cultural heritage. However, these young aspirants often find such properties inaccessible, either due to bureaucratic hurdles, lack of awareness, or absence of a proper leasing or support mechanism. If the government makes a conscious and strategic decision to lease out these abandoned tourist properties to interested and capable youth, it can open a new chapter of entrepreneurship and employment in the state. This move can create sustainable livelihood opportunities, reduce unemployment, and simultaneously bring idle infrastructure back into productive use. In doing so, the government will not only empower local youth but also contribute meaningfully to the growth of Assam’s tourism economy. This approach can prove to be immensely effective, both socially and economically, in unlocking the state's untapped potential.

Dipen Gogoi,

Teok, Jorhat

Disturbance from construction work

I am a resident of Udyanpath, Six Mile, and I wish to bring to your attention a serious and ongoing issue affecting our locality. For the past six months, heavy construction work has been taking place in our area late at night, often starting after 12 AM and continuing into the early hours. The loud noise of the machines is extremely disturbing and has made it very difficult for residents to sleep peacefully.

As a working professional, I depend on a proper night’s rest to function effectively during the day. But due to this unbearable noise, I have been facing constant sleep disturbance, which has started affecting my health and work. I am sure many others in the neighbourhood, including students and elderly residents, are suffering silently in the same way.

The use of heavy machinery at such odd hours is a clear case of noise pollution and shows complete disregard for the well-being of the people living nearby. Despite our patience for months, the situation has not improved. The authorities or contractors involved seem to show no concern for how their work is affecting people’s daily lives.

Through your esteemed newspaper, I earnestly request the concerned authorities to take immediate action and put an end to nighttime construction activity in residential areas. Work should be limited to daytime hours to ensure the health, peace, and safety of citizens.

Dharitri Barman

Six Mile, Guwahati