Waterbody revival raises transparency questions
1
2
3
4
Guwahati: Residents of Guwahati have expressed concern regarding transparency and public involvement in the restoration of Dighalipukhuri, as the Assam govt assigns a fresh agency for its maintenance and cleaning.
The ATDC's recent decision to implement SABRE technology for water treatment has sparked worries among locals. They argue this solution might be temporary and question whether any lasting remedies have been considered to address the fundamental issues.
'Reclaim Guwahati' member Milin Dutta criticised the lack of public consultation in selecting the technology, particularly following the sudden termination of a previous TERI project.
"Had they consulted the public before moving forward with the decision, especially after the abrupt discontinuation of an earlier project taken up by Energy and Research Institute (TERI), it is causing justifiable fear this could be another expensive, short-lived initiative," Dutta said.
Dutta highlighted the voluntary efforts at Dighalipukhuri Park, stating, "This proposal by ATDC totally overlooks the maintenance of the Dighalipukhuri Park for the past six months by a handful of dedicated volunteers from different parts of Guwahati.
Apart from installation of bamboo baskets and anti-littering signs, through weekly clean-up drives over 1,100 kg of waste has been collected by these volunteers so far.
Involving these active residents and other local residents in govt initiatives would not only make them more sustainable in the longer term but would also pave the the way for a stewardship approach to maintaining public facilities."
The waterbody holds roughly 285 million litres of water, with ongoing pollution affecting its aquatic health.
ATDC managing director Padmapani Borah said SABRE technology, developed by Irish environmental scientist Liam Ryan, has demonstrated success in other states. The technology aims to increase water oxygen levels to 6 mg/L, promoting aquatic life and ensuring safe public usage.
Borah acknowledged the community's contributions while emphasising the need for a long-term maintenance strategy. "What these residents are doing is a noble initiative, and we also want them to work for its development.
But I urge them to understand that once the development activities are completed, there will definitely be a proper mechanism in place for its upkeep," Borah said.
The citizen's forum also expressed concern about two recent accidents near the under-construction GNB Road flyover. They identified issues including inadequate site management, dangerous proximity to high-tension wires, and persistent waterlogging around construction areas, calling for enhanced oversight from relevant govt bodies.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
5 days ago
- News18
The Art of Beer and Cheese Pairing: An Indian Flavour Harmony
Last Updated: Beer and cheese or cheese snack pairing in India is a celebration of flavour, texture, and camaraderie With today being National Cheese Day, it's time to raise a glass and celebrate the delightful union of beer and cheese: a pairing that's gaining traction in India for its unique flavors and cultural resonance. Picture this: the clinking of glasses, the enticing aroma of freshly made paneer tikka, and the lively banter of friends. These elements create the perfect backdrop for enjoying this unlikely duo, united by their shared roots in the ancient art of fermentation. Both beer and cheese are products of this transformative process, resulting in complex flavor profiles that beautifully intertwine and elevate each other. With India's diverse range of beer styles—from crisp lagers to hoppy Indian Pale Ales (IPAs)—the possibilities for pairing are endless. This National Cheese Day, embark on your own flavour adventure with these expert pairing suggestions: IPA & Spicy Paneer Tikka: The assertive bitterness of an IPA acts as a counterpoint to the richness and spice of the paneer tikka. The hops—often with citrusy, floral, or tropical fruit notes—complement the complex flavors of the marinade, typically made with ginger, garlic, chilies, and aromatic spices. The IPA's carbonation also helps cleanse the palate between bites, cutting through the paneer's creaminess. Stout & Smoked Cheddar: The robust, roasted malt flavors of a stout form a perfect alliance with the smoky intensity of smoked cheddar. The stout's rich notes of coffee, chocolate, or dark fruits add a layered complexity that complements the cheese's bold character. Choose a dry Irish stout for contrast or a sweeter milk stout for a creamy companion. Wheat Beer & Kalakand: The light, refreshing nature of wheat beer—often brewed with spices like coriander and orange peel—pairs delicately with the dense, milky sweetness of kalakand. The beer's subtle fruitiness enhances the dessert without overpowering it, while its carbonation offers a refreshing contrast to the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Try a Belgian witbier or a German hefeweizen. Pilsner & Vegetable Pakoda: The light, crisp, and subtly bitter character of a pilsner provides a refreshing counterpoint to the fried, savory, and often spicy vegetable pakoda. Its clean finish washes away the oiliness, preparing your palate for the next bite. The pilsner's slight bitterness also pairs nicely with the spices in the batter. Beer and cheese or cheese snack pairing in India is a celebration of flavour, texture, and camaraderie. So, gather your friends, pick your cheeses and snacks, and pour your beers. With a little experimentation and a spirit of mindful enjoyment, you'll discover a world of delicious possibilities. Cheers to the art of pairing: Indian style!
First Post
5 days ago
- First Post
SpaceX Starship Crashes Into Indian Ocean After Mid-Flight Fuel Leak
SpaceX Starship Crashes Into Indian Ocean After Mid-Flight Fuel Leak | Vantage with Palki Sharma SpaceX Starship Crashes Into Indian Ocean After Mid-Flight Fuel Leak | Vantage with Palki Sharma Elon Musk-owned SpaceX's ambitious Starship programme suffered another blow as its upper stage crashed into the Indian Ocean following a mid-flight failure during its ninth test launch. About 30 minutes into the mission, SpaceX lost control of the spacecraft due to a fuel tank leak. Although the vehicle successfully reached orbit, it failed to deploy simulated Starlink satellites after the payload bay door did not open. This marks the third consecutive test flight setback for Starship. Also on Vantage Shots: • Over a million pilgrims begin arriving in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, ahead of the annual Hajj. • Nearly 200 Marilyn Monroe lookalikes take part in a charity swim off the Irish coast. • On this day in 1998, Pakistan became a nuclear power. It conducted five simultaneous underground nuclear tests. Islamabad began developing nukes after the 1971 war with India. Their tests came a few weeks after India's Pokhran test. See More
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Gaurav takes charge as Assam Cong chief ahead of assembly polls
1 2 Guwahati: Deputy leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, on Tuesday took charge as the president of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), as the grand old party is eyeing a resurgence to take on BJP and its allies in next year's assembly polls. He blew the bugle with the slogan "eibar juj hobo," meaning there will be a battle this time. After seeking blessings at the revered Batadrava Than in Nagaon on Monday, Gaurav headed towards Guwahati to assume charge as state PCC chief. On Tuesday morning, he offered prayers at Kamakhya Temple with some of the senior party leaders before embarking on his new political journey with new challenges. A three-time Lok Sabha MP, Gaurav is the son of former CM Tarun Gogoi and a loyalist of the Gandhi family. "Congress is coming, and no one can resist. Eibar juj hobo (there will be a fight this time)," Gaurav told party workers at a meeting held at Manabendra Sarma Complex soon after he took charge of the post of Assam PCC chief Bhupen Kumar Borah. Earlier, Gaurav was accorded a grand welcome at Rajiv Bhawan in the city, where he assumed charge in the presence of scores of leaders of different ranks and party workers. He said time is limited for the Congress workers, with barely 10 months left for next year's assembly polls. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Encontre voos low-cost Voos | Anúncios de Pesquisa Saiba Mais Undo Borah advocated opposition unity all along despite facing opposition from certain quarters of the party. Borah expressed gratefulness to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal, particularly for their constant support to him while heading Assam Congress. "If we don't put in efforts every day to campaign and strengthen our party, we cannot reach our goal in the 2026 assembly election," Gaurav said. He stated that Congress wants to keep harmony, unity, and nationalist sentiments alive in Assam, and the Grand Old Party does not need a certificate from BJP. The new president also said, "We cannot forget the Bharat Jodo Yatra started by Bhupen Borah from Dhubri to Sadiya. In Jorhat, we paid tribute to two great personalities — former chief ministers Hiteswar Saikia and Tarun Gogoi. These two individuals held the Congress party together during difficult times. In the long journey of the Congress party, the seniors faced many challenges. We will have challenges among us. We must move forward despite these challenges." Borah was confident that Gaurav is a strong voice of the people and has all the capabilities to fulfil the expectations of all sections of society. Borah was state PCC chief for the last four years when Congress continued its struggle to revive even by facing difficult times. AICC general secretary in-charge of Assam Jitendra Singh, Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly Debabrata Saikia, and state Mahila Congress Chief Mira Barthakur were among the prominent Congress leaders present on the occasion. Gaurav was named as the new state PCC chief by AICC last week. The announcement of his name as the chief of Assam Congress came at a time when Gaurav was facing continuous attacks from CM Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding his wife's alleged connection with Pakistan's ISI and his (Gaurav's) visit to Pakistan.
