Guwahati: The Umiam Lake will be transformed into a top-notch aquatic sports site through cooperation between Assam and Meghalaya and the Indian Army.
This was said by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday during the three-day Rising Sun Water Fest 2022’s closing ceremony at the Umiam Sports Complex in Meghalaya.
The chief minister claimed that the festival had raised the bar for all aquatic and extreme sports.
He said, “The fest has provided a unified platform to different clubs and sports persons to showcase their sporting skills.”
Chief Minister Sarma expressed gratitude to the Eastern Command of the Indian Army, Gajraj Corps, and Red Horns Division for organising the festival and promised to develop Umiam Lake, where it takes place, into a popular tourist destination.
“In future also for the promotion and patronization of rowing and other aquatic sports, Assam and Meghalaya will have to take decisive steps. Both the states will have to put in concerted efforts to promote water sports in the region,” Sarma said.
Seeking Meghalaya Government’s support, Sarma said, “The governments of both states will work hand in hand with the help of the Indian Army to transform Umiam into a world-class venue for aquatic sports.”
He also hoped that as word of this festival spread, the region’s socioeconomic and infrastructure development would reach a new level.
He also praised the Indian Army’s contribution on this occasion.
Among the several dignitaries in attendance were Lieutenant General Rana Pratap Kalita, General Officer Commanding in Chief Eastern Command and Air Marshal Sujeet Pushpakar Dharkar, General Officer Commanding in Chief Eastern Air Command.