Revamped

to revive the failing water system in Guwahati, the Assam government will spend Rs 1,000 crore on the water and sewerage systems in the state capital and plans to revamp the city's riverfront too.

With work on the project to start in the next six months, the state government will soon invite quotations for a Rs 800-crore drainage-cum-sewerage scheme, for which it has already received a grant from the Central government, said the Guwahati development department minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

As part of the urban renewal plan, the state has also got clearance from the Centre for developing the stretch of the city's riverfront.

The entire riverfront between Raj Bhawan and the Kamakhya temple near the foothills will be developed as an open area, says the city-based ngo Save Guwahati, Build Guwahati.

Under the proposed project, the present day Pragjyotishpur on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra and the city's northern front touching the river are to get a facelift. This Rs 200-crore plan is being taken up by the state government.

The project will require clearing away buildings from Brahamaputra's southern bank (from Raj Bhawan to Bharalu). The primary target will be government offices and bungalows on the banks. They include the district magistrate's office and residence, the city police superintendent's office and residence, the bungalow of director general of Assam police and also that of the chief justice of the Guwahati High Court. Only the circuit house and hotel Brahmaputra Ashok will be spared.

The project also envisages revamping city streets and by-lanes. Proper lighting and parking lots are the focus of the revamp.