Restoration Efforts Begin at Zubeen Kshetra in Sonapur

The Dimoria co-district administration has initiated steps to improve and secure Zubeen Kshetra in Sonapur following widespread public criticism over the condition of the memorial dedicated to the late singer Zubeen Garg.

Preliminary work began with the removal of temporary vendors from the area and a coordinated cleanliness drive at the site, paving the way for the construction of a boundary wall. The action came after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma directed officials to address the issue, days after a video highlighting the state of the memorial went viral and triggered strong public reaction across Assam.

In the widely shared clip, a cab driver who had brought tourists from Kolkata expressed embarrassment over the dusty surroundings, lack of maintenance and the presence of small shops near the site. The video quickly gained traction online and was also shared by members of Zubeen Garg’s family, intensifying calls for immediate intervention.

On Tuesday morning, officials from the local administration, along with police personnel, residents and members of the Zubeen Garg Fan Club, carried out a joint clean-up drive. Notably, temporary commercial structures falling within the proposed boundary alignment were dismantled as part of the initial effort to restore the dignity of the memorial.

Zubeen Garg’s wife, Garima Garg, visited the Kshetra along with his brother Arun Garg to review the arrangements and participate in the cleanliness initiative. Speaking to the media, she said the singer had always valued cleanliness and expressed concern that complaints regarding the upkeep of the site had been surfacing for several days. She stressed the need for a permanent system to ensure regular maintenance instead of sporadic drives.

Garima Garg also reiterated the family’s demand for swift legal action related to the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death, calling for faster judicial proceedings and accountability. Earlier, the singer’s sister Palmee Borthakur had also raised concerns publicly, questioning why a cultural icon who brought recognition to Assam did not have a properly managed memorial.

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