Latest news with #MrigenSarania
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Guwahati civic body to inspect buildings for rainwater harvesting standards
GUWAHATI : In response to city's escalating flood crisis, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) will begin random inspections across city buildings from this month to ensure compliance with rainwater conservation, groundwater recharge, and green preservation measures. The order, issued by the GMC commissioner under the department of housing and urban affairs, stated that all commercial, residential, educational, and industrial buildings should install and maintain rainwater harvesting systems and designated green spaces. This enforcement is backed by the Guwahati Building Construction (Regulations) Bylaws, 2014, and the Assam Unified Building Construction (Regulation) Bylaws, 2022. "Buildings cover the land, preventing rainwater from naturally soaking into the ground. Instead, excess runoff enters drains or low-lying areas, heightening flood risks. A proper rainwater harvesting system allows water to percolate into the ground, replenishing groundwater while minimising runoff," Suhel Yasir, assistant commissioner of GMC, said. Authorities have observed that rainwater harvesting structures and groundwater recharge pits are often poorly constructed or neglected. Green spaces, mandated by law, are frequently repurposed for unauthorized use, contradicting approved building plans. According to regulations, at least 20% of land must be allocated for tree planting and greenery, with allowances for reduction in housing projects where a minimum of 25% of the floor area ratio is designated for affordable housing. Based on the civic body's observance, rainwater harvesting structures, and percolation pits for ground water recharge are not properly constructed or maintained. Even mandatory green spaces are neglected or repurposed for unauthorised uses, which are contradictory to the approved building plan. "As per section 111 of the Guwahati Bylaws 2014, and section 111 and 114 of the Assam Unified Building Construction Bylaws, 2022, at least 20% of the land shall be utilised for tree plantation and greenery. This may be reduced to 10% only for housing projects where a minimum of 25% of floor area ratio is allocated for affordable housing," the directive states. The directive also stated that inspections and enforcement measures aim to enhance urban resilience, mitigate water crises, and promote environmental sustainability. Non-compliance could result in penalties such as occupancy certificate revocation, property sealing, and legal action under the Guwahati Municipal Corporation Act, 2017. While rainwater harvesting is mandatory for all individuals, GMC mayor Mrigen Sarania said the civic body would install these systems free of cost in all govt schools and economically weaker households.
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
GMC to inspect buildings for rainwater harvesting standards
1 2 3 4 Guwahati: In response to city's escalating flood crisis, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) will begin random inspections across city buildings from this month to ensure compliance with rainwater conservation, groundwater recharge, and green preservation measures. The order, issued by the GMC commissioner under the department of housing and urban affairs, stated that all commercial, residential, educational, and industrial buildings should install and maintain rainwater harvesting systems and designated green spaces. This enforcement is backed by the Guwahati Building Construction (Regulations) Bylaws, 2014, and the Assam Unified Building Construction (Regulation) Bylaws, 2022. "Buildings cover the land, preventing rainwater from naturally soaking into the ground. Instead, excess runoff enters drains or low-lying areas, heightening flood risks. A proper rainwater harvesting system allows water to percolate into the ground, replenishing groundwater while minimising runoff," Suhel Yasir, assistant commissioner of GMC, said. Authorities have observed that rainwater harvesting structures and groundwater recharge pits are often poorly constructed or neglected. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Device Made My Power Bill Drop Overnight elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Pre-Order Undo Green spaces, mandated by law, are frequently repurposed for unauthorized use, contradicting approved building plans. According to regulations, at least 20% of land must be allocated for tree planting and greenery, with allowances for reduction in housing projects where a minimum of 25% of the floor area ratio is designated for affordable housing. Based on the civic body's observance, rainwater harvesting structures, and percolation pits for ground water recharge are not properly constructed or maintained. Even mandatory green spaces are neglected or repurposed for unauthorised uses, which are contradictory to the approved building plan. "As per section 111 of the Guwahati Bylaws 2014, and section 111 and 114 of the Assam Unified Building Construction Bylaws, 2022, at least 20% of the land shall be utilised for tree plantation and greenery. This may be reduced to 10% only for housing projects where a minimum of 25% of floor area ratio is allocated for affordable housing," the directive states. The directive also stated that inspections and enforcement measures aim to enhance urban resilience, mitigate water crises, and promote environmental sustainability. Non-compliance could result in penalties such as occupancy certificate revocation, property sealing, and legal action under the Guwahati Municipal Corporation Act, 2017. While rainwater harvesting is mandatory for all individuals, GMC mayor Mrigen Sarania said the civic body would install these systems free of cost in all govt schools and economically weaker households. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
7 days 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."
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.
