Guwahati, 20 May (HS): Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday visited the proposed “Zubeen Kshetra” directly after arriving from New Delhi and assured that the memorial dedicated to Assam’s iconic singer Zubeen Garg would soon be developed into a grand and aesthetically designed cultural site spread across 10 bighas of land.

Paying floral tributes at the memorial site of the legendary artiste, the Chief Minister said the State Government is committed to preserving and promoting the true legacy and identity of Zubeen Garg. He stressed that the initiative should remain above politics and serve as a symbol of Assam’s cultural consciousness for future generations.

Dr. Sarma stated that he had deliberately avoided visiting the site before the elections to prevent any political controversy surrounding the name of the beloved singer. Referring to opposition criticism, he remarked that the BJP had consciously decided not to politicise Zubeen Garg’s name and emotions attached to him among the people of Assam.

Recalling his pre-election promise, the Chief Minister said he had assured the public that if the government returned to power, work on “Zubeen Kshetra” would be accelerated. He added that the government is now moving ahead with that commitment and is determined to build a dignified and inspiring memorial complex dedicated to the artiste.

According to the Chief Minister, the Public Works Department has already begun preliminary work for the project, including construction of a boundary wall at an estimated cost of around ₹3 crore. Necessary protective measures are also being undertaken to prevent soil erosion from the upper portion of the site. Officials have been directed to expedite the next phase of work, including development of the memorial area.

Describing Zubeen Garg as Assam’s “evergreen emotion”, Dr. Sarma said, “Zubeen was, is, and will always remain my favourite,” reiterating that the singer’s legacy transcends politics and continues to live in the hearts of the people of Assam.---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash