Three sites around Guwahati to be developed as tourist attraction

Guwahati: Assam government has decided to develop three major sites around Guwahati--Kamakhya Temple, Umananda and Gandhi Mandap--to promote them as places of tourist and spiritual attraction, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said today.

"Our Government is planning to develop Kamakhya Temple into a world class tourist and spiritual destination by upgrading the prevailing infrastructure and ensuring cleanliness in and around the temple," Sonowal said in a release.

"The second plan includes upgrading Umananda island, which with its temple is a natural treasure in the heart of the Brahmaputra river.

"If utilised to its full potential, Umananda can be a huge boon for the state in terms of developing tourism and adding another feather in a revitalised brand Assam," he said.

In a similar manner, Gandhi Mandap at Sarania in Guwahati has tremendous potential to be transformed into an international peace pilgrimage and tourist destination.

"We are planning to renovate the Mandap and create a beautiful environment in the entire area which is situated on a hill top. It gives a panoramic view of Guwahati city along with the mighty Brahmaputra and the nearby hills. Our Government is planning to build a tower at this site from where tourists can view the entire Guwahati city," he said.

The Chief Minister said these initiatives coupled with Swachh Bharat Abhiyan will definitely boost brand Awesome Assam and bring development in the process.