An official surveys Judges Field on Wednesday. Picture by Eastern Projections

June 11: Dispur has started scouting for a new ground to celebrate this year’s Independence Day function in the city.

An Assam government official said Judges Field, which has been organising such functions since Independence, can no longer be used for the same purpose because of the development and beautification work that are taking place there.

The Guwahati development department (GDD) will merge the Nehru Park and Judges Field to create a separate playground, a joggers’ track, an exclusive meditation and yoga park, a pedestrian plaza and several other recreational facilities.

The government has imposed a ban on holding non-official functions at Judges Field following the twin bomb blasts that took place during the Republic Day function in 2005. Faced with the public criticism, Dispur last month announced that the ground would be opened to public activities and started developing and beautifying the same.

A government official said chief minister Tarun Gogoi has instructed the Kamrup (metro) administration and GDD to start looking for a new ground immediately.

“The playground of the College of Veterinary Science at Khanapara has been identified as one of the alternative venues to organise the Independence Day function. The playground is large enough to hold such functions. Another advantage of the ground is its proximity to the Dispur capital complex. Besides, the official residence of chief minister Tarun Gogoi is also very close to the playground,” he said.

“The veterinary college playground will, however, be a temporary ground to hold such official functions. The government has expedited the process of creating a permanent ceremonial ground at the secretariat staff colony adjacent to the new capital complex. Gogoi has asked the departments concerned to clear all hurdles that will be coming in the way of creating the ceremonial ground,” a source said.

He said the final decision would be made only after the home department gave a security clearance to the college ground.

He said Assam police have been asked to find out as how far the new ground would be safe and secure for hosting such a function.

The final decision would be taken soon. Security arrangements are being made to ensure that the function is held peacefully.