Himanta Biswa Sarma reviews Assam Zoo modernisation project, suggests internal train service

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inspected the ongoing modernisation works at the Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden. He also advised the authorities to examine the feasibility of introducing an internal train service within the zoo to enhance visitor convenience.

He visited the under-construction veterinary hospital, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre, and museum, and later chaired a review meeting with senior officials of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department and the Public Works Department in the presence of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah.

During the review, the Chief Minister directed that the veterinary hospital should be developed in consultation with leading veterinary experts in the country. He also reiterated his suggestion to examine the feasibility of introducing an internal train service within the zoo to improve visitor convenience.


The Government of Assam is implementing the modernisation of the Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden at an estimated cost of Rs 360 crore. The project aims to modernise the zoo by improving visitor facilities while creating a more natural and conducive habitat for wildlife. Around 27% of the project has already been completed.

Before reviewing the ongoing construction works, the Chief Minister also assessed the health of the three rescued red pandas housed at the zoo. The red pandas were rescued from wildlife traffickers in February this year and were subsequently brought to the Assam State Zoo for care and rehabilitation.

Sarma also visited Dr Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Tirtha at Jalukbari in Guwahati and paid tribute to the legendary music maestro. He later inspected the ongoing infrastructure development works at the Assam Police Reserve campus in Paltan Bazar.

While visiting Dr Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Tirtha, the Chief Minister reviewed the facilities at the complex and held discussions with officials of the Cultural Affairs Department and the Public Works Department on measures to transform the Samannay Tirtha into a more vibrant cultural destination.

The Chief Minister said the existing monument would be suitably redesigned to reflect the life, works and legacy of Dr Bhupen Hazarika. He added that advanced technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) would be introduced to provide visitors with immersive digital experiences, including taking virtual selfies with Dr Hazarika and engaging with his music through interactive platforms. Digital technologies would also be used to familiarise the younger generation with the legendary artiste's rich literary and musical legacy.

The Chief Minister also said an open-air stage would be constructed within the Samannay Tirtha. A government committee would also be constituted to manage the complex. Apart from organising programmes on the birth and death anniversaries of Dr Bhupen Hazarika, the committee would ensure year-round cultural activities and programmes centred on his creations to keep the Samannay Tirtha vibrant.

Later, the Chief Minister inspected the ongoing redevelopment of the Assam Police Reserve campus at Paltan Bazar. The project, being implemented at an estimated cost of around Rs 600 crore, will provide residential accommodation for more than 600 police inspectors, sub-inspectors and constables. The campus will also include a school, a temple, a namghar, a press conference hall, a playground and the office of the Assam Police Reserve. As part of the project, a separate residential building is also being constructed at Panbazar to accommodate 42 police officers.