Guwahati: The commencement of preliminary work on the flyover linking the Dighalipukhuri point with the Bamunimaidan area has sparked concerns among the media fraternity in Guwahati. The ongoing development, anticipated to be the longest flyover in Assam stretching over six kilometers and set for completion by 2026, has raised issues for the city's Press Club situated in the Ambari locality.
As construction gears up, the Press Club faces a significant reduction in its working space due to the flyover's expansion. This reduction is poised to create parking challenges for members and visitors alike during and after the construction phase, prompting the Journalists' Forum Assam (JFA) to intervene.
President Rupam Barua and Secretary Nava Thakuria of JFA have appealed to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for a separate arrangement to accommodate the hundreds of media workers affected by the impending space reduction. Expressing support for the flyover initiative's potential to enhance connectivity, they urge collaboration between the city-based media and the government.
The impending impact on the Press Club raises preservation concerns for the rich archaeological site in Ambari, known for its ruins reflecting the Sunga-Kushana dynasty. The site, discovered during construction for the Reserve Bank of India’s office in the locality, draws visitors nationwide.
The Forum emphasizes the need for a pragmatic decision to relocate the Press Club to a government-sanctioned plot of land, ensuring a permanent address for the growing number of journalists affiliated with various media platforms. Simultaneously, they call for a collective effort to expedite the preservation and research efforts at the Ambari site, appealing for an encroachment-free environment.
With construction underway, the fate of the Press Club and the Ambari archaeological site remains a focal point, necessitating thoughtful action and collaborative measures for a balanced resolution.
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