GMC unveils key reforms for water, property and business services

Staff reporter

Guwahati: In a significant move towards urban reform and citizen convenience, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) on Friday conducted a press conference at its Uzan Bazar office under the chairmanship of Mayor along with the Deputy Mayor and Commissioner. The meeting highlighted several key initiatives across civic utilities, property management, and business facilitation.

The Mayor announced a subsidy of Rs 9,500 per customer for 15mm diameter pipe connections to facilitate the transition from GMC water connections to the Guwahati Jal Board. This benefit will be available until June 30, 2025. Post that, the existing GMC water supply will be discontinued from July 1. A joint survey by GMC and GJB is underway to ensure a smooth transition. The scheme will also extend to religious institutions, community halls, Namghars, Mahila Samitis, clubs and other such organizations.

GMC has initiated a city-wide GIS-based house numbering system to assign unique identification numbers to all residential and commercial buildings. This initiative aims to improve infrastructure planning and delivery of municipal services. Geovista Technologies Pvt Ltd, tasked with the survey, has already completed work in 27 wards. The rest of the wards will be covered by the end of this year. Installation of unique house number plates is set to begin this month, and citizens are requested to cooperate with the initiative.

In a green push, GMC introduced a scheme offering up to 10% rebate on property tax for households maintaining urban forests and clean surroundings (Swachha Poduli). The corporation will soon launch a portal to invite applications for the scheme. Entries will be verified by GMC officials before granting the rebate. Detailed policy guidelines and application procedures will be made available on the portal.

The Mayor further announced that GMC will install rainwater harvesting systems free of cost in schools and public institutions willing to set them up. Additionally, public entities looking to recharge dry bore wells or tube wells can approach GMC for assistance.

In a bid to improve Ease of Doing Business, GMC is working on simplifying the trade license generation process. Currently, businesses need multiple licenses for different services/products within the same establishment, leading to confusion and underreporting. The new system will introduce a single license covering similar trades under broad heads and eliminate redundant trade categories. Discussions with stakeholders are underway to finalize the simplified structure.

These initiatives mark a major stride towards improved urban governance, environmental sustainability, and business facilitation in Guwahati.

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