GUWAHATI: Assam Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Ashok Singhal, led a series of review meetings on Tuesday at Janata Bhavan to address some of the critical urban development issues for the state.
Officials from the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs (DoHUA), Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), Guwahati Jal Board, Directorate of Municipal Administration, and Assam Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Board attended the review meeting, which discussed on various issues.
In the DoHUA meeting, topics included presenting progress to the Governor along with discussions on the Deeper Beel project, special assistance schemes, and updates on schemes under UIDF/AMRUT/Technical Cell DoHUA.
The implementation of the Online Building Permission System and preparations for the upcoming Urban Planning Conclave were also highlighted.
The GMC session featured a detailed review of the Kamakhya Water Supply Project, progress and action plans for Swachh Bharat Mission, insights into penal provisions for violations, updates on the development of the Harijan Colony, and the status of a market under construction.
With GMDA officials, the minister had discussions on the final plans for the selected parks in Guwahati.
The GMDA officials also appraised the minister on the standard operating procedures (SOP) for the Guwahati Master Plan, urban planning for North Guwahati, and deliberations on a cabinet memorandum proposing a halt to land transactions in the proposed Guwahati Master Plan Area.
During the review meeting with the Guwahati Jal Board (GJB), crucial aspects of water management and supply were addressed.
The discussions with GJB included an assessment of the progress made under all reservoirs and the 16 split packages, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the current status.
The GJB officials emphasized slope protection works for the North Guwahati Reservoir and the flushing status in the same area.
Safety measures for reinforcing pipelines were also deliberated, addressing concerns regarding frequent pipe burst incidents.
Additionally, the meeting touched upon the progress of the South West Guwahati Water Supply Project, highlighting the concerted efforts to enhance water infrastructure and ensure a sustainable and reliable water supply for the residents of Guwahati.
In a joint meeting addressing traffic concerns in Guwahati City, Singhal collaborated with key stakeholders including the Commissioner of Police, the Commissioner of GMC, DCP Traffic, the Additional Managing Director of GSCL cum Managing Director of GUCL, the Commissioner of the Transport Department, and the District Transport Officer (DTO) of Kamrup (Metro).
