Eyesore hoardings dismantled in Guwahati

Guwahati, May 22: The state capital's beautification drive received a major boost today with hoardings, that had turned into an eyesore, being dismantled in the city, besides a strict inspection drive launched by the authorities.

Guwahati Development Department (GDD) Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sharma informed that all hoardings that violated the prescribed norms were being dismantled across the city and the department would issue fresh rules for erection of hoardings.

There are over 15,000 hoardings in the city and most of them would be pulled down within the next 72 hours.

Garbage disposal and cleaning of drains and roads would be inspected by senior offers of the department, Dr Sharma said, adding that he would also supervise the entire work.

Changes in traffic movement, including re-arrangement of bus stops and routes, would be announced shortly, he added.

On the issue of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) members' decision of reopening check gates in the city in violation of a High Court ruling, he informed that the GMC had been showcaused over the matter.

He said, ''The GMC could be dismissed if they fail to comply with the court directive.'' On the GMC mayoral election, the minister said the advocate general's advice was being sought as the present council had less than 50 per cent members of its total 60-member strength.

UNI