The Guwahati master plan with a vision up to 2045 is prepared but yet to be approved as the extension of the city is not yet decided
The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has proposed Guwahati city’s makeover with a master plan till 2045. But the master plan is being revised. The plan involves expanding the city's boundaries and introducing a land pooling scheme, signalling significant changes on the horizon.
But even after being proposed quite some time ago, the extension of the city is yet to be decided.
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A source in the housing and urban affairs department talking to GPlus said that the extension of Guwahati is not yet decided and it will take some time.
On November 2023, the Assam government approved master plans for eight cities in Assam including Rangapara, Gohpur, Sootea, Jamugurihat, Bokakhat, Lakhipur, and Badarpur but the Guwahati’s new master plan was not approved.
In December 2023, Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, led a meeting to scrutinize the draft of the Guwahati Master Plan 2045. Officials presented the draft to him, providing insights into various aspects such as drainage, water supply, sewerage, and environmental planning. Sarma examined the details and offered suggestions for modifications to ensure that the final master plan aligns with the city's needs and aspirations.
Talking to GPlus, a senior official from the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) said, "The new master plan will accommodate a population of 30 lakhs."
In terms of population projection and density, Guwahati has seen steady growth over the years, reflecting the city's increasing urbanization and development. According to data provided by the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), the population projection in 1991 stood at 707,955, which increased to 990,161 by 2001. Fast forward to 2021, and the population projection and density is expected to rise further to 1,475,651, indicating a significant uptick in urban residents. Looking ahead, the Guwahati master plan paints a picture of continued growth, with projections indicating that by 2031, the population is expected to reach 2,024,565.
By 2041, this figure is estimated to rise to 3,151,450, and by 2045, it is projected to reach 3,863,812.
However, the revised master plan is awaiting approval from the state government as the extension of the city is yet to be decided.
He said, "The vision and goal of Guwahati's Master plan 2045 is regulated development, aimed at ensuring sustainable growth while preserving the city's natural heritage."
"There are provisions for a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) hub, large business centers, knowledge hub and a tech city", the GMDA official told GPlus.
One of the key highlights of the master plan is the emphasis on green spaces and ecological conservation.
The senior official outlined various permissible uses in the Green Belt zone, including the establishment of bird sanctuaries, botanical gardens, and children's traffic parks. Additionally, provisions have been made for facilities such as electric substations, farmhouses, and flood control works, all aimed at striking a balance between urban development and environmental preservation.
He also said that in the new master plan they will integrate wetlands and forests, with linkages to satellite townships in Jagiroad.
Furthermore, the inclusion of blue-green infrastructure aims to enhance resilience to climate change while providing recreational spaces for residents.
In terms of residential development, the master plan offers a framework for the creation of sustainable and inclusive communities. With permissions granted for farmhouses with specific guidelines on maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and coverage, the plan aims to promote a blend of urban living and natural surroundings.
The official also said, "The designated site falls within an eco-friendly zone as per the existing Master Plan, allowing for the construction of G+1 residential buildings with specific FAR and coverage limits."
The identification of the city's distinctive characteristics and the selection of a theme laid the groundwork for the development vision. Superimposing cadastral maps, procuring Very High-Resolution Satellite imagery (VHRS), and drafting comprehensive plans for drainage, roads, water supply, sewerage, and utilities have set the stage for implementation.
The master plan also encompasses environmental considerations, disaster management strategies, and plans for essential amenities such as solid waste management sites, water supply plants, parks, and playgrounds.
As Guwahati charts its course towards the future with the Master plan 2045, urban reforms take center stage, underpinned by government assistance, claimed the official. These reforms, aimed at ensuring sustainable growth and development, encompass a range of initiatives designed to transform the cityscape and enhance the quality of urban living.
The master plan envisages the revitalization of urban areas through the formulation and implementation of Local Area Plans. These plans will address the unique needs and challenges of specific neighbourhoods, fostering community-centric development and revitalizing urban spaces, said the official.
To accommodate the burgeoning population and promote balanced growth, the master plan includes provisions for the development of new urban centers through Town Planning Schemes. These schemes will strategically allocate land for residential, commercial, and recreational purposes, ensuring the creation of vibrant and inclusive communities.
Embracing the principles of transit-oriented development, the master plan seeks to create compact, mixed-use neighbourhoods centred around transit hubs. By promoting densification and reducing reliance on private vehicles, plan aims to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and enhance connectivity within the city.
Transferable Development Rights will be integrated into the planning process as a mechanism to incentivize sustainable development and conservation. By allowing the transfer of development rights from one property to another, plan aims to promote the preservation of heritage sites, green spaces, and environmentally sensitive areas.
Recognising the significance of rivers in shaping urban landscapes, the master plan emphasizes river-centric land use planning and zoning. This approach aims to optimize the utilisation of riverfront areas while safeguarding against risks such as flooding and erosion, fostering a harmonious relationship between urban development and natural water bodies, said the official.
The master plan envisions the transformation of waterfronts and canal fronts into vibrant public spaces, offering recreational amenities, cultural attractions, and commercial opportunities. Redeveloping these areas not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the city but also promotes social interaction and community engagement.
Recognizing the importance of preserving natural ecosystems within urban areas, the master plan emphasizes the integration of green spaces, parks, and biodiversity corridors into urban planning initiatives. By safeguarding natural habitats and promoting ecological resilience, these efforts contribute to the overall health and well-being of urban residents.
As part of efforts to enhance green cover and mitigate the effects of climate change, the master plan includes provisions for the development of urban forestry. By planting and maintaining trees across the cityscape, urban forestry initiatives not only improve air quality and provide shade but also create green lungs that support biodiversity and ecosystem services, said the official.
Leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, the master plan aims to develop a comprehensive drainage master plan that considers topography and natural slopes. By mapping drainage networks and identifying areas prone to flooding, this GIS-based approach enables informed decision-making and effective management of urban water resources.
The Master Plan for Greater Guwahati was initiated by the State Government in 1965 under Section 10 of the Assam Town and Country Planning Act, 1959, in response to the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and related urban issues. Initially, the plan was designed with a perspective extending to 1986. Subsequently, the Modified Final Master Plan and Zoning Regulations for Guwahati were developed by the Town and Country Planning Organisation in 1987 under the same legislative framework.
The responsibility for implementing the Master Plan was then entrusted to the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), established under the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority Act 1985, with a perspective extending to 2001. However, recognizing the evolving needs and dynamics of the city, the Master Plan underwent revisions to align with changing circumstances. Under the GMDA Act, 1985, a revised plan was formulated with a perspective extending to 2025. Now the new master plan is aimed to ease city congestion till 2045 and city extension is a major part of the plan. After the planning of Ringroad and satellite city at Jagiroad, the extension of the city is likely but the GMDA officials when questioned about the extension plans in the master plan, they said that it is not yet decided. Sources in housing and urban affairs department also said that extension will be there but the areas to be included are still being studied extensively.
It needs to be mentioned that the All Tiwa Students’ Union (ATSU) and various other regional organisations, protested the expansion of Guwahati city towards Jagiroad in July 2022.
It also needs to be mentioned that the state government recently announced that the Nagaon paper Mill land will be converted into a satellite township but the place is very far from Guwahati airport.
Another source in Dispur said that there might be a plan to shift the capital to Nagaon in the future and accordingly the government decided to build the satellite township in Nagaon.
Whatever may be the plan the new master plan is not complete without the extension plan and it looks like the authorities are in dilemma deciding the extension.
