Nagaon: Assam Cabinet Minister Pijush Hazarika on Wednesday inaugurated two parks, a market and a pedestrian bridge in Nagaon district (Zubeen Udyan Nagaon).
In the evening, the minister formally opened Zubeen Udyan, a park built on the banks of the Kolong River in front of Nagaon Girls’ College. The park has been constructed in memory of Zubeen Garg, the beloved singer who holds a place in the heart of every Assamese.
At the same time, Hazarika also inaugurated the Hiren Bhattacharyya Footbridge, a pedestrian bridge built to connect the northern and southern banks of the Kolong River. The bridge has been named after noted Assamese poet Hiren Bhattacharyya.
The Zubeen Udyan and the Hiren Bhattacharyya Footbridge were constructed under the initiative of Rupak Sharma, MLA of the Nagaon–Batadrava constituency.
At the park, a statue of Zubeen Garg has been installed. The site also houses the ashes of the late singer. In addition, a Nahar tree, which was one of Zubeen Garg’s favourite trees, has been planted in the park. Facilities such as a walking zone and an open gym will also be available for visitors.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, MLA Rupak Sharma said that during the memorial ceremony held after Zubeen Garg’s ashes were brought, he had promised that a statue of the singer would be installed at a place that Zubeen loved.
He noted that Zubeen Garg had a deep affection for the Kolong River, which is why the statue was placed on its bank. Zubeen Garg is depicted looking towards the Kolong. The statue was sculpted by artist Jyotish Bhattacharyya.
Sharma further stated that a footbridge named after poet Hiren Bhattacharyya has been constructed beside the park and was also inaugurated on the same day. He said Zubeen Garg shared a special bond with the poet and had sung several songs written by him.
The MLA also said that songs of prominent Assamese singers and poems of noted poets would be preserved at the Bhupen Hazarika Kalakshetra currently being built in Nagaon.
Sharma announced that entry to both the Morikolong park and Zubeen Udyan will be free of cost. He also said that Zubeen Garg’s songs will be played in the park during the evening hours.
Speaking at the event, Minister Pijush Hazarika said that Zubeen Garg lives in the hearts of every Assamese person, adding that the singer mesmerised people through his music and compositions.
Nagaon District Commissioner Debashish Sharma also addressed the gathering.
Earlier in the day, Minister Hazarika inaugurated the newly constructed Kampur Railway Colony Park, developed by the Kampur Municipal Board in the Barhampur Legislative Assembly constituency of Nagaon district.
Before opening the park, the minister paid tribute to Dr Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg by offering respects to their portraits. He then formally dedicated the park to the memory of Zubeen Garg in a traditional auspicious ceremony.
A public meeting was held near the newly built park following the inauguration.
The meeting was conducted by Babul Bora, president of the Kaliabor District BJP, while Barhampur MLA Jitu Goswami delivered the welcome address.
In his speech, Goswami said the park fulfils a long-standing demand and need of the people of greater Kampur. He also announced that statues of Dr Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg would be installed in the park in the coming days.
He further mentioned that the construction of embankments along the Kapili and Nishari rivers by the Water Resources Department, under the initiative of Minister Pijush Hazarika, has helped make the constituency free from floods. Goswami praised the minister for this contribution.
Addressing the gathering, Pijush Hazarika said he felt deeply honoured to inaugurate the park and dedicate it to the memory of the beloved singer Zubeen Garg.
The minister said that he was first elected from the Raha constituency and therefore holds a special bond with the people of central Assam.
He stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam has been progressing in every sector and expressed confidence that the state would eventually secure a place among the top five developed states in India.
During an interaction with journalists, Hazarika said that initiatives started in honour of Zubeen Garg are gradually being implemented.
Responding to questions regarding the alliance between the BJP and AGP in the Raha and Barhampur constituencies, the minister said that if the AGP receives the ticket, the BJP will fully support it, and if the BJP receives the ticket, the AGP will do the same.
Minister Hazarika also inaugurated the Mama Bazar market constructed at Nonoi in the Barhampur constituency.
The programmes were attended by Kampur Municipal Board Chairperson Dharitri Baruah, Vice-Chairperson Jayanta Phukan, ward commissioners and members of various social organisations from Kampur.