News Reporter
From Silchar to Jorhat: Assam's Ten Cities Pave the Way for Sustainable Urban Living
Guwahati, Assam - 20 December, 2023: In a bold stride toward meticulous urban development, the Assam government has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative — the 'Ten Cities Development Concept' (Doh Shaher, Ek Rupayan). This visionary project, spearheaded by Urban Development Minister Ashok Singhal, took center stage during a pivotal meeting at Janata Bhawan, where the Housing and Urban Affairs Department delineated its comprehensive implementation.
The distinguished assembly, graced by the presence of Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, Labour and Employment Minister Sanjay Kishan, and eight MLAs representing diverse constituencies, cast its spotlight on key cities: Silchar, Dibrugarh, Nagaon, Bangaigaon, Biswanath Chariali, Karimganj, Tinsukia, Golaghat, Jorhat, Tezpur, Sibsagar, and North Lakhimpur.
Participants engaged in insightful discussions, addressing critical facets of urban planning, solid waste management, water supply, public infrastructure, traffic management, street lighting, and the infusion of green-blue elements such as open spaces and water bodies into the urban fabric.
Kavitha Padmanabhan, Commissioner & Secretary of the Housing and Urban Affairs Department, eloquently elucidated the intricacies of the 'Doh Shaher, Ek Rupayan' concept. Her presentation underscored the paramount importance of manpower rationalization, capacity building, the digitization of municipal services, and the fortification of financial infrastructure in the designated cities.
The proposed metamorphosis extends across various domains, fueled by initiatives under the City Infrastructure Development Fund (CIDF). These encompass the establishment of Conference Halls, City Beautification, Open-air Theatres, Pavilions, Traffic Control Systems, Convention Centers, Chowkh Bazars, Sports Complexes, and the enhancement of water bodies.
Simultaneously, the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF) from the Government of Assam focuses on elevating urban aesthetics with projects including Convention Centers, Town Halls, Park cum Open Spaces, ISBTs, and public area beautification. Street Lights and Paver Block Streets fall under the purview of the Directorate of Municipal Administration.
The ambitious scope of the plan encompasses initiatives under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and SoPD, emphasizing Water Supply, Rejuvenation of Water Bodies, and Park Development. The Swachh Bharat Mission adds another layer of meticulous planning with initiatives like Door-to-Door Collection of Solid Waste, Waste Processing, and Waste Disposal at Dumping grounds.
The meeting witnessed the active participation of MLAs representing diverse constituencies, alongside the Chairpersons or Vice-Chairpersons of Municipal Boards. Attended by top officials from the Housing and Urban Affairs Department, Directorate of Municipal Administration, AMRUT, Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), Directorate of Town and Country Planning, and others, this collaborative effort signifies a transformative leap toward sustainable, modern cities in Assam — a testament to the government's unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.