Headlines       Vol. 1 Issue 38-39

Mar 7 - Mar 21 , 1999

Resumption of air service from Rupshi airport called for The Assam Government has been urged by the people of Goalpara district to take immediate steps to reopen the historic Rupshi airport. Rupshi airport, one of the oldest in the country, is today lying in a deplorable condition owing to utter negligence by the authorities concerned. The airport was established during the time of World War II. The length of the runway was 6,000 feet. There was a terminal building and car parking facilities were also available in the airport. Though it was mainly established for military purpose, later it was used for business purpose also. Earlier regular air service was rendered out from Rupshi to Calcutta. In 1980, an airline was opened from Rupshi to Borjhar. But it was closed within a year. Since then, for the last 19 years, due to lack of proper maintenance and non-use, Rupsai airport is in a really bad shape today. The control tower of the airport has been damaged. To make the matter worse, several valuable equipment have already been stolen. Rupshi, a former princely state, occupies a very important place not only in Assam but in the entire region. The place has its own charm along with a rich cultural heritage. The Goalpariya song is not only popular in Assam but also in the entire country. The people of Goalpara feel that if proper steps are initiated to make the Rupshi airport functional, then Rupshi and the adjoining areas can be developed as a tourist centre. The Rupshi Rajbari, one of the finest building in the entire North-East region, is today in an awful condition. The roof of the Rajbari may cave in at any time. As the boundary walls on the southern and western sides have been collapsed, many valuable historical things had been stolen. The local people are also of the view that after some repair work, the Rajbari could be the centre of attraction for the tourists. Apart from Rajbari, a little away from the place is the Sareswar Beel, mendearing through the deep forest — a picturesque setting and an ideal spot for picnic and camping. The Otharakata reserve forest and the Bashbari forest are also located near Rupshi. Thus the local people feel that the place should be promoted as a tourist spot without any futher delay and should be directly connected with Calcutta and Guwahati by air to ensure tourist inflow.

| Assam | Oriental Times(Headlines) | Home Page |