Latest news with #GuwahatiMunicipalCorporation
Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Poor cycling infra worries city pedallers
1 2 3 Guwahati: The city's cycling community has voiced concerns about insufficient cycling infrastructure and increasingly dangerous conditions for them. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) acknowledges the shortage of space for cycling facilities across the city. When questioned about dedicated bicycle stands in public areas, GMC mayor Mrigen Sarania said, 'GMC is interested in constructing dedicated bicycle stands, but due to lack of adequate space across the city, we have not worked on this yet. " Regular cyclists have highlighted their difficulties with safe cycling in the city. 'I ride a bicycle to my workplace every day out of compulsion to make my ends meet. But navigating Guwahati on a bicycle becomes more challenging each year," said Tiken Deka, who has been cycling to work for over five years. Deka added, "The complete absence of dedicated cycling lanes and the general disregard from motorists create a genuinely dangerous environment. " Arshel Akhter, the bicycle mayor of Guwahati appointed by BYCS, an Amsterdam-based NGO, suggested three key solutions — installing sufficient bicycle stands with proper shelters at commercial complexes, hospitals, hotels, transport hubs, and educational institutions; implementing WHO's recommended 30km per hour speed limit citywide to protect cyclists from speeding vehicles and increasing the city's tree coverage to benefit both cyclists and pedestrians. Prachujya Bora, another cycling enthusiast, said, "I regularly explore the city on my cycle, but most of the time I don't feel safe at all. It feels like I will get hit by a speeding car or bike, and I feel vulnerable to road rage because riding a cycle is seen as a disregard and makes me an easy target." He added, "In the city, it is quite rare to find a dedicated cycle stand to ensure safe parking of my cycle. With no other options left, I often use footpath railings or electric posts to lock my cycle."
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Climate
- New Indian Express
Assam govt announces Rs 4 lakh aid for families of Guwahati landslide victims
GUWAHATI: The Assam government on Sunday announced ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to families of the five persons killed in landslides in the city in the last few days. Department of Housing and Urban Affairs (DoHUA) minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, announcing the financial aid, said there have been "logistical challenges" in tackling the waterlogging problem of Guwahati city and corrective steps are being taken. He was talking to reporters after chairing a review meeting with the Kamrup Metropolitan district administration, Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and other concerned departments to assess the ongoing relief measures and enhance preparedness for artificial flooding caused by incessant rainfall in Guwahati. The meeting focused on immediate response protocols, distribution of essential relief materials and streamlining coordination among departments to ensure timely assistance to flood-affected citizens. The city had witnessed massive waterlogging since the early hours of Friday due to heavy rains, with main localities still inundated. Landslides in the city and outskirts had claimed five lives during the period. Baruah said the meeting decided to grant an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the five victims. He said ensuring timely delivery of relief materials is a top priority for the department and items such as mosquito repellents, candles, sanitary napkins and baby food are being prioritised for quick distribution in areas hit by waterlogging and power outages. "Relief materials will now be pre-positioned in elevated spots across flood-prone zones so that they can reach affected families within 2 to 3 hours of flooding," he added.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Promised facilities at bus sheds elude city travellers
1 2 3 Guwahati: Newly constructed bus sheds across Guwahati, which were hailed as a step toward modernising public transport infrastructure, are drawing sharp criticism from residents over poor maintenance and unfulfilled promises. Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), which had launched the initiative with much fanfare, now finds itself under fire for failing to ensure basic upkeep and delivery of key amenities. A year after GMC announced the installation of modern bus sheds across 45 locations in the city under a Rs 300 crore project, residents have raised serious concerns over the absence of promised facilities and poor on-ground execution. The project launched with the intention of revamping public transport infrastructure, promised state-of-the-art bus stops, equipped with CCTV cameras for public safety, bus information panels and detailed route maps for the assistance of the daily commuters. However, residents said that the sheds do not offer any of these features. "It is really dangerous to travel at night. These modern infrastructures have been built for public convenience, which is good, but if there are no safety measures in place, then what's the point?," Nabamita Das, a daily commuter, said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Many commuters echoed her concerns, highlighting the poor maintenance of the sheds. They said in areas like Six Mile and Maligaon, the sheds are in a neglected state, with little to no upkeep. Meanwhile, passengers, particularly college students and newcomers to the city, face significant hurdles in navigating Guwahati's public transport system. "The absence of these basic information not only causes delays but also discourages new passengers from relying on city's bus services," said Anil Kakoti, a college student. When questioned about the missing amenities, GMC mayor Mrigen Sarania initially said there were no such plans for facilities like CCTV cameras or route maps at the bus sheds. However, he later clarified that the matter would be taken up in an upcoming review meeting. "Whatever was agreed upon will be implemented as per the terms. Within a day or two, these concerns will be addressed during the review," he added.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Guwahati civic body launches drive to install 60 high-mast LED lights
GUWAHATI : Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has embarked on an ambitious journey to illuminate the city with 60 high-mast LED lights, ensuring one such light in each ward across the city. GMC on Thursday inaugurated two new high-mast LED lights at Kahilipara and Lokhra. This comprehensive lighting drive is being implemented in collaboration with Guwahati Unnayan Company Ltd. (GUCL) as part of the city's ongoing modernisation efforts. The project has gained significant momentum with recent inaugurations of high-mast LED lights at multiple locations, including Hengrabari Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) ground, Geeta Nagar field, Bapuji Nagar at Noonmati, Narengi Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) field, and Birkuchi LP School at Narengi. These new installations bring the total number of operational high-mast LED lights to 50, while construction of the remaining 10 lights is currently underway and will be completed within the next four months. The current initiative builds upon the existing infrastructure, as the city already has 53 operational high-mast LED street lights. Once the new project is completed, Guwahati will have a robust network of 113 high-mast LED lights strategically positioned throughout the urban landscape. GMC mayor Mrigen Sarania emphasised the transformative impact of this initiative, stating, "This comprehensive lighting project represents our commitment to making Guwahati a safer, more accessible city for all residents. The installation of high-mast LED lights in every ward, including our cremation grounds, demonstrates our dedication to providing dignified public infrastructure that serves our citizens around the clock." Sarania said GMC is planning to install high-mast LED lights in around 29 cremation grounds across the city. This initiative aims to provide well-lit and secure environments during evening and night-time rituals, contributing to cleaner and more respectful public spaces for citizens during sensitive times. Counsellor of ward number 58, Gauri Borah, said, "In my ward, the high-mast LED light is installed inside the compound of Birkuchi LP School. Earlier in that area, due to the absence of proper lighting, individuals were seen getting involved in unsocial activities like drinking alcohol and gambling, etc., but now I'm hopeful that the high-mast light will prevent such activities." A resident of Narengi, Himanjit Pathak, said the installation of high-mast LED lights in his locality was much needed to ensure public safety. However, he added that one such light in a ward is not enough; more such lights would be necessary. The high-mast LED installation is part of GMC's broader lighting programme, which has already made substantial progress in transforming the city's illumination infrastructure. The program's first phase successfully installed 20,657 LED street lights across various streets and by-lanes throughout Guwahati, establishing a foundation for improved urban lighting. The second phase of the lighting programme is currently in progress, with 5,000 LED lights already installed out of a total target of 12,000 lights planned for this phase.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
GMC launches drive to install 60 high-mast LED lights across city
Guwahati: Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has embarked on an ambitious journey to illuminate the city with 60 high-mast LED lights, ensuring one such light in each ward across the city. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now GMC on Thursday inaugurated two new high-mast LED lights at Kahilipara and Lokhra. This comprehensive lighting drive is being implemented in collaboration with Guwahati Unnayan Company Ltd. (GUCL) as part of the city's ongoing modernisation efforts. The project has gained significant momentum with recent inaugurations of high-mast LED lights at multiple locations, including Hengrabari Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) ground, Geeta Nagar field, Bapuji Nagar at Noonmati, Narengi Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) field, and Birkuchi LP School at Narengi. These new installations bring the total number of operational high-mast LED lights to 50, while construction of the remaining 10 lights is currently underway and will be completed within the next four months. The current initiative builds upon the existing infrastructure, as the city already has 53 operational high-mast LED street lights. Once the new project is completed, Guwahati will have a robust network of 113 high-mast LED lights strategically positioned throughout the urban landscape. GMC mayor Mrigen Sarania emphasised the transformative impact of this initiative, stating, "This comprehensive lighting project represents our commitment to making Guwahati a safer, more accessible city for all residents. The installation of high-mast LED lights in every ward, including our cremation grounds, demonstrates our dedication to providing dignified public infrastructure that serves our citizens around the clock. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now " Sarania said GMC is planning to install high-mast LED lights in around 29 cremation grounds across the city. This initiative aims to provide well-lit and secure environments during evening and night-time rituals, contributing to cleaner and more respectful public spaces for citizens during sensitive times. Counsellor of ward number 58, Gauri Borah, said, "In my ward, the high-mast LED light is installed inside the compound of Birkuchi LP School. Earlier in that area, due to the absence of proper lighting, individuals were seen getting involved in unsocial activities like drinking alcohol and gambling, etc., but now I'm hopeful that the high-mast light will prevent such activities." A resident of Narengi, Himanjit Pathak, said the installation of high-mast LED lights in his locality was much needed to ensure public safety. However, he added that one such light in a ward is not enough; more such lights would be necessary. The high-mast LED installation is part of GMC's broader lighting programme, which has already made substantial progress in transforming the city's illumination infrastructure. The program's first phase successfully installed 20,657 LED street lights across various streets and by-lanes throughout Guwahati, establishing a foundation for improved urban lighting. The second phase of the lighting programme is currently in progress, with 5,000 LED lights already installed out of a total target of 12,000 lights planned for this phase.
