Guwahati, the latest concern of all in power

Guwahati, July 1 (UNI) Asom administration seems to have suddenly woken from its long slumber with every department announcing its plans for revamping Guwahati, long projected as gate-way to the North East.

Following steps initiated by the state government for the beautification of the capital city, the latest is the reorganisation of the city's civil defence.

The civil defence body's proactive role has been specially emphasized with the city set to host the National Games in November.

With 10 lakh dwellers, the city has been divided into five divisions with two lakh population each, besides divisional wardens and deputy divisional wardens are appointed for each division.

Social worker Rohini Kumar Das has been appointed the chief warden, a post vacant for quite sometime, while Radha Bora is the new deputy chief warden.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had earlier visited the sites on banks of the Brahmaputra which would be evicted as per the city beautification drive.

He had instructed that all offices and official residences on the river banks stretching from Sukleshwar temple to the Chief Justice's residence be shifted within two months.

He had also instructed the immediate construction of multi-storied car parking at the 12 plots identified for the purpose to ease the traffic before the start of the Games.

Guwahati Development Department Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had started a demolition drive of all illegal structures in a phased manner in the city soon after assuming office in May.

A number of prominent buildings have already been demolished with the minister serving notices to all other offenders.

Mr Sarma said, ''All buildings flouting norms will come under the scanner and the authorities will crack the whip without any discrimination.'' Guwahati MP Kirip Chaliha had also stepped into this beautification drive and urged a planned growth of the city.

He said, ''Guwahati must grow in a planned manner to emerge as the model city of the region and attain a proud position among the best in the country.'' UNI SG SP DB1549