Guwahati, May 17: The water sports associations of Assam have suggested retaining the venue for the two water sports disciplines of the 33rd National Games at the original site of Deepor Beel.

However, they want the course shifted to its southern side.

According to the Assam Boat Racing and Rowing Association and the Assam Kayaking and Canoeing Association, there could be no better venue than Deepor Beel here or Charan Beel at Oujari in Morigaon district for the two disciplines.

The two bodies submitted detailed survey reports on the two sites to the National Games Secretariat (NGS), which sought suggestions through a letter from secretary-general Pradip Hazarika on May 2.

The associations suggested that the southern part of Deepor Beel could easily be developed as the site for the National Games.

Neither association, however, provided any details about Charan Beel, 55 km away from the proposed Games village. A joint team of both associations surveyed the two sites recently.

The NGS has deputed assistant director Jatin Borchetia to assess the Charan Beel site. The associations have been asked to assist him. However, nothing was mentioned as far as assessment of the Deepor Beel site is concerned.

The Deepor Beel site can be approached from National Highway 37 via Gorchuk and is 9 km away from the proposed athletes? village. The site is also connected by railway from Kamakhya and Azara railway stations.

Provisions have also been sought for a 100-bed hostel there, a boathouse and jetties.