G Assam
Guwahati: Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Ashok Singhal took charge of essential urban planning initiatives during a meeting of the advisory committee of the Directorate of Town and Country Planning at Janata Bhawan. The meeting approved the state's first-ever urban planning scheme for Tinsukia city and gave the green light for master plans in eight more cities.
The cities benefiting from these master plans include Rangapara, Gohpur, Sootea, Jamugurihat, Bokakhat, Lakhipur, Badarpur, and a revised master plan for Dibrugarh city. Key stakeholders, including MLAs Kamalakshya Dey Purkayastha, Zakir Hussain Laskar, and AMTRON Vice-Chairman Ritubaran Sharma, joined officials from the Directorate of Town and Country Planning and related departments for comprehensive discussions.
A significant highlight was the approval of the Tinsukia Development Authority's inaugural town planning scheme, covering an extensive 32.98 hectares. The scheme's presentation by the Deputy Director of Town and Country Planning, Dibrugarh, and the Town Planning Officer of Tinsukia Development Authority showcased detailed planning and garnered satisfaction from the advisory council.
The meeting acknowledged the recent amendment to the Assam Town and Country Planning Act, 2022, which incorporates modern urban planning concepts. Minister Singhal emphasized the need for more urban planning schemes through the Directorate of Town and Country Planning to ensure planned and sustainable urban development, encourage stakeholder participation, and curb unplanned urban expansion.
In an engagement, Minister Singhal participated in a joint meeting with Guwahati Municipal Corporation councillors, officials from the Public Works Department, Assam Power Distribution Company Limited, Guwahati Jal Board, and Kamrup (M) District Commissioner. The discussions focused on addressing challenges faced by municipal councils and exploring collaborative solutions. The meeting, held at Janata Bhawan's Chief Minister's Block (Old) auditorium, demonstrated a commitment to effective urban governance and coordinated problem-solving. Attendees included Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sharania, Commissioner and Secretary of Housing and Urban Affairs Department Kabita Padmanabhan, Municipal Commissioner Meghnidhi Dahal, Kamrup (M) District Commissioner Pallavi Gopal Jha, and top officials from concerned departments.
