Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Assam, Bengal Governments Plan Joint Madhupur Satra Redevelopment
Madhupur Satra is a religious place in Cooch Behar, West Bengal.
It is linked to Srimanta Sankardeva, an important saint and reformer from Assam.
Assam and West Bengal want to improve the site together.
They hope it will become a large destination for religious visitors and tourists.
The project may follow the example of Batadrava Than, where Sankardeva was born.
Assam has set aside Rs 35 crore for the work.
Himanta Biswa Sarma said Bengal leaders had promised another Rs 30 crore, although this was reported as his claim.
The plan could become larger if more land is obtained.
Sarma also criticized former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee over earlier delays in allowing him to visit the site.
Assam and West Bengal plan to jointly redevelop Madhupur Satra in Cooch Behar as a major religious tourism destination.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the project would be modeled on Batadrava Than, Srimanta Sankardeva’s birthplace in Assam.
The Assam government has allocated Rs 35 crore, while Sarma claimed Bengal leaders promised an additional Rs 30 crore.
The development may include nearby Baikunthpur and Baripur Satras, but its scale depends on securing additional land.
Sarma alleged that Mamata Banerjee had repeatedly delayed his requests to visit Madhupur during her tenure as West Bengal chief minister.
- Who
- The Assam and West Bengal governments, led at the visit by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, are involved.
- What
- The governments plan to jointly redevelop Madhupur Satra and its memorial site as a major religious tourism destination.
- When
- The visit and announcement took place on a Saturday identified in the reports as September 19; the year is not specified.
- Where
- Madhupur Satra in Cooch Behar district, West Bengal.
- Why
- The stated aims are to preserve and promote Srimanta Sankardeva’s religious and cultural legacy, strengthen Assam–West Bengal ties, and encourage tourism and local development.
Project proponents
Unresolved claims and constraints
Joint development
Project proponents
Sarma said Assam and West Bengal would jointly develop Madhupur as a grand religious tourism destination modeled on Batadrava Than.
Unresolved claims and constraints
The reports do not provide a final project design, completion schedule, or detailed implementation agreement.
Funding
Project proponents
Assam has allocated Rs 35 crore, and Sarma said Bengal leaders promised an additional Rs 30 crore.
Unresolved claims and constraints
The additional Rs 30 crore is presented as Sarma’s claim; the reports do not independently confirm that funding.
Political cooperation
Project proponents
Sarma described cooperation between the governments as a sign that the project could proceed rapidly and strengthen ties between Assam and Bengal.
Unresolved claims and constraints
Sarma’s political statements about the Bengal government and Mamata Banerjee were not accompanied by a response from Banerjee in the reports.
Project scale
Project proponents
With more land, Sarma said Madhupur could become one of North Bengal’s major tourism destinations and incorporate nearby religious sites.
Unresolved claims and constraints
Without additional land, development would have to remain within the existing 16-bigha site, and the reports mention efforts to address encroached land.
- Location
- Madhupur Satra, Cooch Behar district, West Bengal
- Historical association
- Srimanta Sankardeva spent the final days of his life at Madhupur
- Assam funding
- Rs 35 crore allocated by the Assam government
- Additional funding claim
- Himanta Biswa Sarma said Bengal leaders promised another Rs 30 crore
- Development model
- Batadrava Than, Sankardeva’s birthplace in Assam
- Existing land
- The site covers 16 bighas, described as roughly five acres
- Possible expansion
- The plan could include Baikunthpur Satra and Baripur Satra if additional land is secured
Sources
Assam Seeks Bengal's Support To Revamp Historic Madhupur Satra In Cooch Behar
Assam, Bengal govts to develop Vaishnava saint Sankardeva’s ‘samadhi’ site in Cooch Behar: Himanta