GDD Minister not happy with GMDA, issues strict directives

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, May 3 : Guwahati Development Department (GDD) Minister Siddhartha Bhatacharyya is seemingly not happy with the work in respect of the ongoing projects of the GMDA. This was visible during a review meeting on GMDA projects in Guwahati today when the Minister said that the concerned official(s) would be made answerable for loopholes/ drawbacks in their work.

While an official tried to find a lame excuse by stating that the Chief Minister was aware of the development, Bhatacharyya sternly told the officials not to try to mislead him  by bringing in the Chief Minister into the picture.

Visibly offended, the Minister also told the officials that as per information received, there was huge corruption in allotment of building permission by the GMDA and that the same must stop immediately. He also warned the officials of stern action if such corruption is detected. He also threatened to approach the court, if need be, in such matters.

 Initiating the discussion Ajay Tewari, Principal Secretary to the Government of Assam, GDD explained the entire scope of the department in general and GMDA in particular. The Minister was briefed by the engineers of GMDA about the progress of all ongoing projects of GMDA such as Water Supply Project, Ropeway Project, Construction of Bridge over Brahmaputra River, Botanical Garden at Old Jail Land at Fancy Bazar, Noonmati Water Basin, Flood Mitigation of Guwahati City, De-siltation of Water Bodies etc.

Having taken stock of the work progress the Minister stressed on proper implementation of projects like de-siltation of drains and use of machineries to complete the work on time. The Managing Director of Jal Board has also been asked to complete the ongoing water supply projects immediately. Bhattacharyya also had a discussion on the proposed park at Old Jail land at Fancy Bazar. In the matter of issuing permit for construction of building, the Minister asked the GMDA officials to be transparent and corruption free in all respects adding that unauthorized construction shall be viewed seriously and the erring official shall be brought into book. He has also instructed that digging of roads for laying of pipes be stopped without informing the concerned department henceforth. According to Bhattacharyya an inspection committee should be formed along with the Water Resources Department to initiate the foundation of guard wall on both sides of the Bharalu River. Bhattacharyya also directed officials to remove of unauthorized construction from the Seelsako Beel area. The Minister suggested that an in house committee shall be constituted to examine the proposals for planning

permit in composite, eco-friendly, green belt and eco sensitive zone. Bhattacharyya also directed the GMDA officials to take action for declaring the area in front of Shraddhanjali Kanan Multi level Car Parking project as no parking area for getting benefit of parking facility by the public. He also directed completion of the Multi Level Car Parking Project at Panbazar near MMCH immediately.

The meeting, chaired by the Minister was attended by Chairman, GMDA, Principal Secretary, GDD, Chief Executive Officer, GMDA and other GMDA officials.