Guwahati, Sept 25: A law will soon be enacted to prevent sale and purchase of land to non-indigenous communities within a radius of eight kilometres from the historic Batadrava Than, the birthplace of 16th-century neo-Vaishnavite saint-reformer Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev, in Nagaon district.
This was announced by Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on the occasion of the 575th birth anniversary of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev.
“A law would be enacted to prevent sale and purchase of land within an eight-kilometre range of Batadrava Than premises to non-indigenous communities. The deputy commissioner has been instructed not to give his assent to sale and purchase of land to and by people belonging to non-indigenous communities till the Act is brought in and implemented,” Sarma said.
On the occasion, the chief minister inaugurated infrastructural projects worth Rs 22 crore at Batadrava Than. Foundation stones for the projects inaugurated, which include a “Satriya Sora”, a conference hall, Damodar Ata Tourist Guest House and an office complex, were laid on April 16, 2021.
He also formally launched the year-long celebration of the 575th birth anniversary celebration of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev.
Paying rich tributes to the neo-Vaishnavite saint, the chief minister said that the Assam government has been relentlessly working for development of the revered Batadrava Thaan and the newly-inaugurated projects manifest the tireless commitment of the current dispensation in the state.
“In the coming days, steps will be taken to beautify the two ponds on the premises of the revered site, build parking spaces for visitors’ vehicles and washrooms/toilets for the convenience of the devotees among others,” he said.
Sarma stated that the developmental activities initiated outside the Batadrava Than premises were going on in full swing and that, till date, around 81 percent work has been completed.
“While the first phase project cost was estimated at Rs 50 crore, a total of Rs 114 crore shall be spent during the second phase of development activities,” he said.
Sarma further informed that in addition to the beatification process of Batadrava Than, the state government has decided to work on beautification of another 21 sites related to the Vaishnavite saint.
