Begin typing your search above and press return to search.

CM asks GMC to act as single window agency

By STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, July 3 - In a major move to make building construction clearance hassle-free in Guwahati, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has directed the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) to act as the single window agency overriding the multiple agency system.

He also directed the Guwahati Development Department (GDD) to make necessary modifications in the existing system so that applicants could obtain the permission by applying at GMC only.

Sonowal, while reviewing the implementation of various government schemes and programmes under GDD at the Janata Bhawan here today, said due to involvement of multiple agencies in the issue of building construction permission, the citizens have to face lots of difficulties.

Considering this, he directed the GDD minister to introduce a new system for online receipt of application, fee, etc., at GMC.

Moreover, taking a strong note of depletion of groundwater level in Guwahati due to rampant deep boring activities at residential areas, the Chief Minister suggested insertion of legal provisions in the existing GMC Act to address the issue.

He asked the Department concerned to suitably amend the existing provisions of the GMC Act and also to go through relevant Acts of other governments to make it mandatory to obtain permission from the government before undertaking any deep boring within the capital city.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the progress of water supply projects being implemented in the city.

Expressing displeasure over delay in commissioning of the projects, he asked the field monitoring and implementing agencies to expeditiously complete and operationalise the projects.

In response to the Chief Minister�s direction, the Managing Director of the Jal Board apprised him of the present status of the projects and informed that both JNNURM and JICA projects would be partially commissioned in March 2019.

During the meeting, Sonowal also put stress on exploring the potential of the Brahmaputra in fulfilling the drinking water needs of the people of the State. He asked the Department to develop a concept note for setting up drinking water packaging plants on both sides of the river and also other interventions to tap the excess water during monsoon.

Besides, several other programmes being implemented under the Smart City Project and other wings of the GDD were also reviewed by Sonowal during the meeting.

Sonowal advised the officials to draw up a comprehensive roadmap to give a facelift to the city, putting maximum thrust on cleanliness.

He also directed the Department to take speedy measures for setting up a new agency for conservation of the Deepor Beel to preserve its rich heritage and bio-diversity.

Making a strong pitch for promotion of sustainable development goals in all the government schemes and programmes, he further asked the department to prepare a roadmap for holistic development of Guwahati in view of the future requirements.

Siddhartha Bhattacharya, Minister for GDD, Hrishikesh Goswami, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister, Santanu Bharali, Legal Advisor to the Chief Minister, Ajay Tiwari, Principal Secretary (GDD), Sanjay Lohiya, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, and other senior officials of GDD were present in the meeting.

Next Story