Guwahati to get major facelift after pujas for National Games

Guwahati, Sep 21: Guwahati will see a massive renovation immediately after the Durga Puja as the city gears up for the 33rd National Games in February next year.

The Guwahati Development Department (GDD) and Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) are all set to ready the city in a new look.

A GMC official informed that major repair and construction work of roads would start soon after the Dashami on October 2. ''The work has been halted too in view of the coming Pujas so as not to cause inconvenience to the people,'' he said.

A number of projects had been initiated by the GDD and GMC, along with other government departments to ensure that the city is ready to welcome the visitors.

GDD Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma said, ''We will ensure that the participants and the people who come to see the Games enjoy their stay here.'' Widening and black topping of roads had been completed in most places in a phased manner. Final touches would be given after October.

The state-of-art Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) on the outskirts of the city was handed over to the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) on September 16. The Rs 27 crore-ISBT had been ready months ago but due to non-payment of bills by the government, the constructing company had delayed the handing over. With the money being okayed now, the ISBT would start functioning from October.

It would ease traffic congestion to a considerable extent and its location near the National Games' main venue is expected to be much helpful for commuters.

The red-and-white city buses had also been directed to don white colour, with green stripes. The blue-and-white deluxe city buses would also switch to a white body with blue stripes.

The city traffic police department was seen slapping fines on buses which failed to don the new colours.

While roads and street lighting were being improved, attention was also being paid to the buildings on the roadsides.

The government was conducting a survey of dilapidated buildings along the main routes in the city.

Government buildings would be renovated by the government itself, while the GMC would issue notices to private owners.

The District Transport Office and the Land Settlement Office had already been identified for renovation.

The private owners would be directed to whitewash their buildings if finance was a constraint for proper renovation.

Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi, during his recent visit to the state to inspect the preparations for the Games, had appreciated the works.

He said, ''I am more than satisfied at the infrastructure being built for the Games.'' Mr Kalmadi had high praises for the Games village, which the government was mulling of converting into a residential complex later.

The GDD Minister maintained that the city would be ready to receive the large number of visitors during the Games and be remembered as among the best hosts' of the Games till date.

UNI