Master Plan for Amrit-Guwahati Integrated
Measures taken to tackle artificial flooding, assures minister
STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: "Under the guidance of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs (DoHUA) has exponentially accelerated the development of Guwahati city's infrastructure" said State Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Ashok Singhal while speaking about the major achievements of DoHUA in the last one year.
Addressing media persons during the 'Antaranga Aalap' programme held at NEDFi Convention Centre, Guwahati on Tuesday, Singhal discussed with them various works accomplished under DoHUA last year. He said that the State Government had a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. "So far 14 arrests have been made as part of the government's crackdown against corruption in the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC)," he said.
The minister also assured that media persons who do not have a house in Guwahati may contact the Assam State Housing Board. "Your house will be built by the Assam State Housing Board free of cost. That's my promise," he said.
"In the budget speech of 2022-23, a commitment was made to develop a world-class integrated business city– Amrit-Guwahati Integrated Global City (Amrit-GiG City) stretching over 1000 acres at Jagiroad in the Morigaon district with over 550 acres of land of the Nagaon Paper Mill. The Master Plan for the township will be completed by March 31, 2023," said the minister.
He further said that work has started for establishment of a 150 TPD Compost-cum-RDF Plant at Belortol, Guwahati. The construction will be completed by June, 2023. "150 TPD mixed waste will be treated after the plant is functional. The output will be Compost and Refuse derived Fuel (RDF). The establishment cost of the plant is Rs 30.91 crore and operation and maintenance cost is Rs 475 per MT," said Singhal.
Regarding rejuvenation of Silsakoo Beel, the minister said that excavation of the main lake has been carried over 40 acres. Water quality has improved from priority category I to priority category 4 now. This will help in mitigating flash floods in the vicinity of the Silsako caused by rain water from the Meghalaya hills. Silt traps have been created at the mouth of each drain outfall into the lake allowing sedimentation.
The minister said that measures have been taken to solve the problem of artificial flooding in the city. "If 60% of the measures we have taken to prevent artificial floods are completed, Guwahati will be flood-free soon," he said.
"With partial commissioning of the JICA-assisted water supply project last year, we are confident of ensuring last mile delivery of our promises in the days ahead.
"Regular evictions are going on against people occupying water bodies in Guwahati. Everyone should understand that the drains, rivers, pits and water bodies should not be blocked. Also, three projects on street lights in the city have been taken up. We are operating 10,000 lights through Project Jyoti. Two other projects have also been taken up to keep Guwahati illuminated at night.
"Action will be taken by the department against those who have not completed or started construction work for the last one year after getting money to build houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)," said the minister.
Talking about the infrastructure development and beautification projects taken up in the city in the last year, Singhal said that the Hengrabari Park has been inaugurated while Atal Udayan has been inaugurated in Maligaon. "The Botanical garden project and the Nehru Park remodelling project will be completed by March 2023. The park at Jorpukhuri is complete and ready for inauguration. The project of integration of the DC Bungalow with the erstwhile residence of the Commissioner of Police will be completed by the end of March 2024," he said.
To reduce traffic congestion in the city due to markets and roadside stalls, the minister said that there was not enough land in the city to start a new vending zone. "So, we are thinking of making arrangements for markets to open at 8 am and close after a fixed time," he said.
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