What was meant to be a place of peace, devotion, and celebration of music now lies in disarray. Zubeen Kshetra, the memorial dedicated to Assam’s beloved singer Zubeen Garg, has become a scene of neglect and disorder, leaving locals and fans worried about its upkeep.
Located in Hatimura, Sonapur, the memorial initially drew fans from across the state. They came to pay tribute, leaving behind gamosas, posters, banners and tokens of love. But what should have been a sacred and serene space is now littered with plastic cups, empty bottles, discarded incense wrappers and wilted flower petals. The ground, once a symbol of reverence, now resembles the aftermath of a neglected fair.
The Assam government had earlier stepped in to formalize the memorial. Land was approved at the site, and a committee was formed, chaired by Zubeen Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, including cultural figures like Palmee Borthakur, Shyamantak Gautam, and Partha Sarathi Mahanta. Plans were made for a permanent “Zubeen Kshetra” with support from the Public Works Department. 
However, a new controversy has cast a shadow over these plans. A Zubeen Kshetra Cleanliness & Maintenance Committee was reportedly formed without the knowledge of the district administration. Soon after its formation, veteran volunteers like Prashanta Bordoloi, who have long worked selflessly to maintain the site, were barred from continuing their work. Other volunteers, including Seema Banita, Bhrigu Kumar Thakuria, Binita Das, Dayali Deuri, and Ajay Talukdar, were also prevented from contributing.
Following these events, the volunteers approached Garima Garg for guidance and were advised to report the matter to Sudarshan Barthakur, Secretary of Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra. Allegations have also surfaced that six individuals received ₹10,000 each from Manas Rabin, and all key members of the newly formed committee are said to be affiliated with the BJP. This has raised concerns over possible politicisation and financial interests influencing the memorial.
The new committee includes President Deben Chandra Das, Working President Pradip Sharma, Vice Presidents Narayan Chandra Das, Hareshwar Tumung, Dilip Gogoi, Arundhati Doley, and Swapna Patar, General Secretary Arun Teron, and joint secretaries Saurav Baruah, Nitul Das, Deepika Deka Bhuyan, Joseph Marme, and Hemanta Das, along with Treasurer Bipul Chandra Das and multiple executive members.
While plans for grand statues and permanent structures continue to be discussed by authorities, the immediate and pressing issue remains the basic upkeep of the memorial. Local incense sellers and volunteers have been seen quietly cleaning the area, highlighting the gap between official plans and on-ground reality.
Zubeen Kshetra, born from love and devotion, now faces the challenge of retaining its sanctity. The main question now remains: Who will take responsibility to restore this sacred space before it is too late?
