The Guwahati Development Department was established in 1994 to organise the multiple development operations in Guwahati and regulate the city’s unorganised and unforeseen growth. This department works with the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority, Guwahati Municipal Corporation, Guwahati Metropolitan Drinking Water & Sewerage Board, Water Resources Department, and Public Works Department. The Guwahati Smart City Development Agency Limited is presently collaborating with the multi-faceted department.
This article entails details about Smart City Guwahatiโs vision, objectives, planned projects, and several enthralling citizen services.ย
Table of contents
Guwahati Smart City – Vision
By integrating and realigning the city around its natural endowments, the Smart City Plan seeks to create Guwahati as a Regional Centre for the North East of India and a Globally Recognized City. The Brahmaputra River, highlands, streams and rivers, and the world-acclaimed Ramsar Wetland site of “Deepor Beel” will be a foundation for the city’s expansion, furthering its goal of becoming the North East area of India’s economy, education, health, and IT centre.
Guwahati Smart City Objectives
Smart City Guwahati is an initiative aimed at transforming Guwahati, the largest city in the Northeastern region of India, into a modern and sustainable city that is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and amenities. Smart City Guwahati aims to make the city more livable, sustainable, and economically vibrant.
The following are the key objectives of the Smart City Guwahati initiative:
- Improving the quality of life: The initiative aims to improve the quality of life of the citizens of Guwahati by providing them with better infrastructure, amenities, and services.
- Improving urban mobility: The initiative aims to improve the city’s transport infrastructure by introducing modern and sustainable transport systems such as smart buses, bicycle sharing, and pedestrian-friendly streets.
- Promoting economic growth: The initiative aims to promote economic growth by attracting investments, creating job opportunities and developing the city’s economy.
- Ensuring sustainable development: The initiative seeks to ensure the city’s development is sustainable, environmentally friendly, and socially inclusive.
- Enhancing citizen participation: The initiative aims to strengthen citizen participation in decision-making and governance by providing opportunities for citizens to engage with the city authorities and participate in the city’s development.
Overall, the objective of Smart City Guwahati is to transform Guwahati into a modern, sustainable, and livable city that meets the needs and aspirations of its citizens.
Guwahati Smart City Projects
Smart City Guwahati has planned and projected multiple initiatives and projects for the well-being of the citizens. The projects are categorised into Pan City Area Based Development Projects, additional initiatives, and their objectives.ย
The following table showcases the different Pan-City projects for Smart City Project Guwahati and their purposes –
| PAN CITY PROJECTS – SMART CITY GUWAHATI | |
| Project Name | Objectives |
| Smart Poles with City Optical Fibre Network | The Guwahati Smart City has projected to install 48 Smart Poles inside, outside and near bus stops, parks, Guwahati Railway stations, Guwahati University, Guwahati Stadium, Planetarium, colleges and universities, bayside of Guwahati river and numerous other essential areas to enhance the lifestyle of the citizens. The Smart Poles in Guwahati will include a night vision surveillance camera, digital billboard, EV charger, and more. |
| System Integrator | The city’s strategic goals include enhancing public safety and security, mobility, conditional awareness, and introducing data-driven decision-making.
The main areas of attention are city surveillance, ICT-enabled solid waste management, smart lighting, intelligent traffic, smart parking, environmental sensors, flood monitoring systems, smart governance, and intelligent citizen services. |
| CoC Building | The City Operation Center (CoC) building, which serves as the hub of the Guwahati Smart City Project, is a significant structure. All smart solutions and essential components are implemented for viewing, centralised monitoring, data storage, and operation of the full components and solutions installed and delivered in the field. The CoC building is a data centre housing all of Guwahati Smart City’s ICT technologies. The principal area needed for the CoC building is expected to be 5,000 square feet, situated in the heart of Guwahati City. |
source – gscl[dot]assam[dot]gov[dot]in
The following table showcases the different Area-Based Development projects for Smart City Guwahati and their objectives –ย
| AREA BASED DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS – SMART CITY GUWAHATI | |
| Project Name | Objectives |
| Development of Borsola Beel Lake | Borsola Beel, located in the central city, is one of Guwahati’s known wetlands. It is connected to the Bharalu water system. The lake has been neglected by the city, with extremely poor infrastructure. The Beel lake has become a garbage dumping ground due to improper solid waste management and the absence of a sewage network. The quality of water has deteriorated with the massive growth of algae.
The development of the Borsola Beel project involves sewage treatment plant development and landscaping along the Borsola Beel wetlands. Some of the works include removing and cleaning of sludge, sewage treatment plant with sequential batch reactor technology, re-sectioning of the lake, a bridge across the lake, infrastructural work, drain and sewage bypass arrangement, and landscape development |
| Bharalu River | Landscape projections are used to show how the Bharalu River will evolve between Jonali Bridge and Bharalumukh. It is necessary to re-section and clean up the Bharalu River. Building a sewage treatment plant, installing interceptor pipe drains, recycling treated wastewater, and discharging treated water from the STP into the river will sustain the river’s ecological balance. Some of Guwahati’s government buildings will receive the treated sewage water for gardening.
Constructing a brand-new bridge at Jonali with enhanced clearance, utility corridors, and walkways and an RCC bridge with paths and a utility corridor will replace an existing wooden bridge. Up to the Bharalumukh pumping station, new pedestrian bridges and embankments are being built along the banks. Construction of a bridge over the river and along its banks, a play area for kids, public restrooms, drinking water stations, and trash cans. Solar energy production and landscaping are two aspects of riverside development. |
| Deepor Beel Lake | A freshwater lake called Deepor Beel or Dipor Beel is situated in Assam’s Kamrup district, south-west of Guwahati. Since elephants predominantly live in the wetland, the lake’s name derives from the Sanskrit word dipa, which signifies elephant.
The Brahmaputra River’s former channel includes Deepor Beel, which is significant for biological and environmental reasons. It is regarded as the city’s primary stormwater storage basin. The lake is home to various plants and animals yearly, including several migratory birds. Deepor Beel attracts wild Asian elephants from the Rani and Garbhanga forests. Forest officials keep track of their regular visits to the beel. Under the Guwahati Water Bodies Protection and Conservation Act of 2008, the Deepor Beel has been certified and projected for protection and development plans. |
| Mora Bharalu River | The Mora Bharalu River will be purified and desilted as part of the project.
Constructing a 185 MLD-capacity sewage treatment plant with the Sequential Batch Reactor technology. The Sewage Treatment Plan must be located on a 28 Ha-sized piece of land. |
| Brahmaputra Riverfront Development | The 6km Riverfront is located on the south bank of the Brahmaputra River and is part of the central area of Guwahati. It stretches between Rajbhawan to Kamakhya Temple. The following work is required to develop the riverfront:
– A landscape design for the entire riverfront stretch. – The development of a walkway, cycle track, and jogging track along the riverfront stretch. – Building Smart city pavilions and other significant infrastructure works, including viewpoints, water stairs, fountains, ponds, ramp access, jetty access, ferry terminals, and more. The block costs for the riverfront are Rs. 826 crores. While Rs. 160 crores is for Infrastructure Landscape Development and Rs. 666 crores for Riverbank Protection. The estimated duration for the construction projects is around 36 months. |
source – gscl[dot]assam[dot]gov[dot]in
The following table showcases additional projects planned for Smart City Guwahati and their objectives –ย
| OTHER PROJECTS – SMART CITY GUWAHATI | |
| Project Name | Objectives |
| Smart Bio-Toilet | The installation of Smart Bio Toilets in various locations throughout the city has been suggested as part of the Smart City Mission in Guwahati, Assam, to fulfil the requirements for a sustainable and hygienic sanitation system, inhibit open defecation, prevent pollution of water bodies, and encourage safety and honour for women and other users.
The Smart Bio-toilet is coin-operated with DRDO Type biodigesters, made of stainless steel in a 170 square feet dimension, and is disabled-friendly. |
| Any Time Water | It is suggested that potable water be delivered via Automatic Water Distribution units (ATMs) at specific areas to satisfy the safe drinking water needs in public areas in Guwahati. |
| Refurbishment of Gandhi Mandap | Gandhi Mandap, a memorial museum honouring the “Father of the Country” Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, is located on Sarania Hill in Guwahati. It is a viewpoint in Guwahati that can only be reached by car. In 1970, Mrs Indira Gandhi and Bishnuram Medhi, a former Assam chief minister, inaugurated the building.
The goal is to maintain the area’s legacy and historical significance while transforming it into a viable tourist destination with on-site picturesque vantage points. The estimated cost of the Museum is Rs. 3.10 crores, and the total land requirement for development is approximately 1.07 Ha. The construction period is estimated to be 4 months. The project features landscape development with gardens and plants, food court and kiosks installation, redevelopment of forest trail, infrastructure improvement of pathways, washrooms, and more. |
| Installation of National Flag | The Assam Government has planned to raise a 300 ft. high monumental flagpole with a 120′ X80′ flag size in Guwahati to create a prominent landmark of the Indian National flag. The projected flagpole would also act as a new landmark and popular tourist destination for those travelling to Guwahati all year. |
| GIS Platform for Guwahati Smart City | To acquire, organise, evaluate, and present all types of geographically related information for a city, GIS integrates hardware, software, and data. Municipal authorities will be capable of preparing, supervising, and monitoring a range of operations inside the smart city owing to the use of GIS technology in the infrastructure.
A network of sensors, cameras, wireless devices, and data centres will help GIS technology automate and enable real-time integrated city monitoring and administration. |
source – gscl[dot]assam[dot]gov[dot]in
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Guwahati Smart City Map
A multitude of variables impacts the concept of a smart city. It emphasises enhancing health care, the environment, and transportation and conducting a comprehensive analysis of the city. As a result, there are numerous ways to conceptualise the Smart City Guwahati approach. Providing modern infrastructure, sustainable amenities, technology and development, inventive methods to maintain a clean environment, and other social services for the community are areas that need to be handled. Creating a map of Smart City Guwahati that highlights the city’s focus areas is the first step.
All of the Smart City Guwahati initiatives are represented on the map below.
source – gscl[dot]assam[dot]gov[dot]in
Guwahati Smart City: Citizen Services
It’s important to note that the specific citizen services offered by Smart City Guwahati may vary and depend on factors such as local needs, available resources, and ongoing initiatives. For more information on the citizen services available in Guwahati, you can check the official website of Smart City Guwahati or contact the local municipal authorities.
Smart City Guwahati is a modern urban development initiative that aims to enhance the quality of life of its citizens by offering a range of citizen services. Some key citizen services provided by Smart City Guwahati are –
- Online Services: Citizens can access various government services online, including applying for various certificates, paying bills, and accessing information about government programs.
- E-Governance: The city has implemented various e-governance initiatives to enhance transparency and accountability, such as digitalising land records, issuing e-tenders, and setting up an online grievance redressal system.
- Public Transport: Smart City Guwahati has improved its public transport system by introducing electric buses and water taxis and setting up a bike-sharing program.
- Waste Management: The city has implemented a comprehensive waste management system that includes door-to-door waste collection, segregation of waste at source, and recycling facilities.
- Smart Parking: The city has introduced a smart parking system that allows citizens to locate available parking spots in real time, pay using their smartphones, and receive alerts when their parking time expires.
- Public Safety: Smart City Guwahati has implemented a range of safety measures, such as CCTV cameras, emergency response systems, and smart street lighting, to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
- Smart Water Management: The city has implemented a smart water management system that includes water quality monitoring, leak detection, and remote water meter reading to ensure the efficient use of water resources.
FAQ’s about Guwahati Smart City
Q1. Is Guwahati on the smart city list?
In the first round of Indiaโs smart cities challenge, Guwahati was one of the 20 cities to be chosen.
Q2. Why is Guwahati called a smart city?
Guwahati is projected to be a smart city by 2025 as it is an urban hub of the North-east region and capital of Assam. The city has major beautification strategies and numerous benefits for its residents.
Q3. Is Guwahati a metro city?
The largest metropolis in Northeast India, Guwahati, is also a component of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot. It is the region’s largest and most populous city and the gateway to the northeast area. Guwahati serves as the beginning point for the majority of Northeast excursions.
Q4. What is the cost of living in Guwahati?
The estimated cost of living in Guwahati for a family of four is Rs. 91,964 ($1,111) without rent costs. While for a single individual, the monthly estimated cost of living is Rs. 25,814 without rent. All these costs are calculated based on monthly expenses.
