- Home
- Live Blog
- Breaking News
- Top Headlines
- Cities
- NE News
- Sentinel Media
- Sports
- Education
- Jobs
l Rs 10 lakh earmarked for each site across State
l Temples, thans, xatras, churches, Buddha vihars, dargahs, masjids, and common ritual places of various ethnic communities among others come within the scheme’s ambit
STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Focusing on the rich culture and heritage of the State, the Assam government has undertaken an initiative under the ‘Assam Darshan’ scheme to preserve and also give exposure to 1,008 already identified religious places of tourist interests during 2019-20. Implemented by the Transformation & Development (T&D) Department, the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) concerned have to prepare the master plans of those works that are to be carried out under this scheme.
An amount of Rs 10 lakh is earmarked in the name of each of the identified places for strengthening and improving the basic infrastructure in and around these sites. During the current year 2019-20, an amount of Rs.100 crore has been budgeted in this regard. However, if the total cost of the project is bigger in nature, then a part project can be undertaken for such places within the limit of Rs. 10 lakh, informed departmental sources.
The scheme is primarily aimed at developing the essential facilities in the rich diversity of religious places located across the State. These places also having historical importance include temples, thans, xatras, churches, Buddha vihars, dargahs, masjids, and common ritual places of various ethnic communities among others. Lack of such essential facilities creates problems for the visitors to these places. According to department sources, such work can also be a part of the composite project for each site.
The fund under ‘Assam Darshan’ scheme will be implemented by the ‘Implementing Committee’ constituted from the institutions, trusts, samitees among others under the supervision of the respective DCs. The committee will be accountable to the district authority and to audit and accounts. Completion of the works will have to be certified by the technical officers of the Implementing Committee concerned. The DCs will have to constitute the ‘Construction Committee’ where one government official will be either its president or member secretary. A technical member will be nominated from the line department. Other members can be from the managing committees of the respective institutions.
The scheme is divided into four components: Annuity grant to the devalayas; improving the basic infrastructure of places of natural beauty and historical significance; improving key infrastructure in religious places; and also improved connectivity for visitors.
“While preparing the master plan, it has to be kept in mind that the original look is consciously preserved”, the source added, pointing out that “all works should match and blend with the architecture, design and layout of the original structures of the complex and the natural beauty of the site. Highest stress should be put on quality and aesthetics; appearance of the new constructions should be pleasing to the eye, where the appropriate original designs, motifs and images should be replicated.”