The Assam government has spent more than Rs 17 crore in less than one year to maintain a stretch of ‘walking zone’ every Sunday along the Brahmaputra river in Guwahati.
In a written reply to a question raised by MLA Atul Bora, parliamentary affairs minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, on behalf of the minister for Guwahati Development Department (GDD), informed the Assam Assembly that various divisions of PWD carried out a number of projects to maintain the stretch of road.
The PWD (roads) was awarded projects worth Rs 13.68 crore for construction of drains, grill work, laying of tiles on footpath, covering manholes, etc.
Work worth Rs 1.35 crore for construction of stage, view cutters, sitting benches, etc., has been sanctioned to PWD (building) while the PWD (electrical division) carried out electrification work worth Rs 2.2 crore, which includes installation of halogen flood lights, wiring and sound systems.
Over Rs 4 lakh was paid to APDCL till July, 2018, for installation of six temporary connections and bills for ornamental lights.
The minister further said the decision to convert the stretch of road into walking zone was taken to enable the citizens to enjoy the beauty of the Brahmaputra unhindered along with their families on Sundays, besides promoting a healthy lifestyle.
