Guwahati: The Cabinet of Assam Approves Sanitation Plan to Raise Living Standards

Guwahati: The Assam Cabinet sanctioned Rs.1,460.37 crore for Phase I of Guwahati's sewerage project to improve resident well-being significantly. JICA is supporting this ambitious initiative that aims to modernize sanitary infrastructure in the city posing a revolutionary approach towards sanitation practices.

The Guwahati Sewerage Project, with a capacity of 187 million litres per day (MLD), is set to introduce well-planned facilities for collecting and treating sewage. The project's main components include the development of three plants at Silsako Beel (65 MLD), Borsola Beel (62 MLD) and Paschim Boragaon 60 MLD). This comprehensive network spans over 872 km in length, including an additional trenchless section measuring approximately 1.191 km. Roughly 'one lakh' households situated in South-Central Guwahati are expected to benefit from this initiative significantly.

Furthermore, the project includes a Faecal Sludge & Septage Treatment Plant that has been designed with advanced capabilities capable of handling up to forty kilo-litres daily(KLD). During the weekly meeting of the cabinet, important decisions were made. These reflected how committed the government is to all-round development. One such decision was regarding guidelines for Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan which aims to support rural women entrepreneurs who are part of self-help groups (SHGs). The first phase involves eligible members receiving an Entrepreneurship Fund worth Rs 10,000 in order to start their businesses. The second phase allows them access a minimum loan amounting up to Rs 25,000 from banks with also includes capital subsidy equivalent or half of repayable amount i.e.,Rs12,500 provided by Government after returning back looon successfully .

In addition, the task of overseeing and upkeeping Amrit Sarovars that were built under Mission Amrit Sarovars (Assam Model) has been assigned to educational institutions, religious organizations, tea gardens as well as government-registered cooperatives. As per provisions outlined in the Forest Rights Act with regards to communal rights over forests regions, such territories will be handled by the concerned authorities from within their respective purview at Forest Department.

The cabinet has approved an increase in ex-gratia compensation for polling personnel to provide better support during elections. Furthermore, a priority has been placed on amending Rule 4 of the Assam Food Security Rules, 2022 to ensure that underprivileged households are provided with free rice.

The Pragyan Bharati scheme has enhanced its support for students pursuing higher studies by offering subsidies on mess fees, fee waivers and mobility grants to financially disadvantaged individuals enrolled in government educational institutions.

In conclusion, an important advancement in urban planning and progress is the soon-to-be established Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) and Singapore Corporation Enterprise (SCE). The objective behind this partnership is to make use of SCE's proficiency in managing, developing, and strategizing for cities. The government's commitment towards promoting all-inclusive development and enhancing the quality of life for its people is highlighted by these programs, as the capital city of Assam prepares itself to undergo transformative alterations.

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