Guwahati: Ahom general Lachit Borphukan had placed his cannons at the spot during the Battle of Saraighat and it took its name from him, Borphukan Tilla. The British later constructed the Kamrup district deputy commissioner's bungalow there, realising its importance from the transport and security angle.

The Assam government is converting it into a heritage site, which it expects to become a major tourist attraction for visitors to the city. The renovation of the bungalow and its surroundings began in 2012, as part of the Guwahati Riverfront Development Project of the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA). The building, which will be called the Brahmaputra River Heritage Centre, will be opened soon.

The old DC bungalow was built entirely of wood and had three spacious bedrooms, a dining hall, a small library and a large living room. It had four toilets with provision for heating water. Besides, there were two storerooms and separate dressing rooms. In the living and main bedrooms, there were fireplaces along with a kitchen.

The bungalow will now house a library, playzone for children, art and craft zone, a small museum along with restaurant, amphitheatre, viewpoint for the Brahmaputra and walking zone and an exhibition-cum-watchtower. "We want to showcase the history of Assam and the Brahmaputra. Hence, the books, art, crafts and other materials have been selected keeping this in mind," an official said.

"We are planning to open it to the public in the first week of April as the work is in its last stage. The site and the bungalow has been renovated and beautified at a cost of Rs 10 crore. It will become a prime attraction for tourists as well as residents," GMDA chief executive officer M. Angamuthu said on Sunday.

The GMDA also appealed to the public to contribute any heritage artefacts. Interested people can contact at brahmaputrariverheritage@gmail.com.