Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday inaugurated two major infrastructure projects in Guwahati, marking a significant push for the city's cultural and security landscape. The events saw the opening of Northeast India's largest auditorium and a state-of-the-art surveillance centre.
Northeast's Grandest Cultural Venue Unveiled
The centrepiece of the inauguration was the 'Jyoti-Bishnu Antarjatik Kala Mandir', an international-class auditorium built at a cost of Rs 291 crore. The massive complex, spread over 45 bighas in the Khanapara area, boasts a staggering seating capacity of 5,000 people.
The auditorium is named in honour of two legendary cultural icons of Assam: Jyotiprasad Agarwala and Bishnu Prasad Rabha. During the ceremony, Amit Shah highlighted their immense contributions. He stated that Agarwala laid the foundation of the Assamese film industry with his pioneering work Joymoti and inspired generations through his patriotic writings and music.
Speaking about Bishnu Prasad Rabha, Shah noted that his accessible writings connected deeply with ordinary citizens, including farmers, labourers, and Adivasi communities, drawing them into India's freedom struggle.
A Hub for Green and Sustainable Development
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized that the new cultural complex reflects the state government's dual focus on promoting culture alongside sustainable development. He announced that the facility would operate on green energy, with rooftop solar panels installed to significantly reduce its carbon footprint.
Shah also connected Assam's cultural awakening to its political history, noting that the foundation laid by these icons was later built upon by leaders like Gopinath Bordoloi, who ensured Assam's inclusion in the Indian Union under Jawaharlal Nehru's leadership.
Boosting Urban Security with Integrated Surveillance
Alongside the cultural landmark, Amit Shah inaugurated the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) for Guwahati. This advanced facility is designed for round-the-clock surveillance of the city, enhancing urban security and management through technology.
In a related move to strengthen law enforcement capabilities, Shah also inaugurated the new office building of the Commissioner of Police in Guwahati. As part of a push for scientific crime investigation, he flagged off a fleet of 39 mobile forensic vans to aid police work across the state.
The inauguration of these projects underscores a major investment in Guwahati's infrastructure, aiming to position it as a leading centre for arts and culture in Northeast India while simultaneously deploying modern technology for smarter and safer city governance.
