Guwahati: Assam's Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Ashok Singhal today announced several new initiatives within the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) furthering the state government’s vision of creating a 'metropolis' in the city region.

Among the inaugurated projects were a 5 TPD garbage transfer center, 9 meeting houses, 6 burial grounds, and 17 public spaces in the Adabari area. Singhal also unveiled a newly constructed toilet facility and emphasized the importance of sanitation infrastructure in urban areas. Singhal also initiated the development of a new garbage transfer station and 45 bus stations near the Purabi Dairy Project at Six Mile.

Meanwhile, the GMC has unveiled 17 newly constructed public toilets across various wards of the city. These facilities, funded by the 15th Finance Commission seek to bolster sanitation infrastructure under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Urban) with a total allocation of Rs 3.37 crore.

Meanwhile, the GMC under the State Self-Priority Development Fund tendered invitations for 29 sites across Guwahati aiming to alleviate the shortage of burial grounds. Earlier this week, six cemeteries were inaugurated as a part of the second phase of this initiative with a total expenditure of Rs 1.19 crore.

GMC has also initiated the construction of community halls at 61 strategic locations across the city. Additionally, 9 public theaters were inaugurated recently with a total investment of Rs 1.78 crore. Another garbage transfer station slated for construction near Eastern Dairy in Six Mile will further bolster the city’s waste management capabilities with an investment of Rs 7.68 crore. 

The civic body has also embarked on a mission to construct 45 new bus stands along major thoroughness. These modernized stations will offer essential facilities such as passenger rest seats, CCTV surveillance, charging points, and dedicated waste disposal units. The project is set to be implemented at a total cost of Rs 3.15 crore.

"The construction of these projects would contribute to the overall, sustainable development of the city as well as the quality of life of the citizens of Guwahati, the gateway to Southeast Asia", Singhal underscored.

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