GUWAHATI: The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has granted development rights certificates encompassing one million square feet of land to eight landowners within the city.
This initiative aligns with the Government of Assam's Transferable Development Rights (TDR) policy, designed to encourage voluntary land contributions for the enhancement of urban infrastructure.
The announcement came following a meeting of the Advisory Committee of the Directorate of Town and Country Planning, presided over by Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Ashok Singhal. The meeting, held at Janata Bhawan, addressed comprehensive urban planning schemes for various cities in Assam.
Minister Singhal spearheaded discussions on the newly approved town planning scheme for Tinsukia City, covering an expansive 32.98 hectares.
Key stakeholders, including MLAs Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha and Zakir Hussain Laskar, AMTRON Vice-Chairman Ritubaran Sharma, and officials from the Directorate of Town and Country Planning, participated in the deliberations. The meeting also approved master plans for eight additional cities, showcasing a comprehensive approach to regional development.
Singhal highlighted the importance of modern urban planning concepts, integrated through the recent amendment to the Assam Town and Country Planning Act in 2022. The aim is to implement more urban planning schemes across cities, fostering a participatory approach and curbing unplanned urban expansion.
He further emphasised the role of the TDR policy in driving essential urban infrastructure development, including roads, parks, and sewerage. The issuance of development rights certificates to landowners is expected to play a role in the city's growth trajectory.
A joint meeting was led by the Minister with Guwahati Municipal Corporation councillors and officials from various departments to address municipal challenges and explore collaborative solutions.
The meeting included key figures such as Guwahati Municipal Corporation Mayor Mrigen Sharania, Commissioner & Secretary of Housing and Urban Affairs Department Kabita Padmanabhan, and Municipal Commissioner Meghnidhi Dahal.