Assam Government has been spending over Rs 17 crore within one year for maintaining a stretch of lane from Panbazar to Bharalumukh termed as ’Walking Zone’ for six hours every Sunday along the banks of the river Brahmaputra in Guwahati.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary revealed this at the Assembly on behalf of the Minister for Guwahati Development Department (GDD) in response to a question put forward by MLA Atul Bora.
Patowary also said that projects of around Rs 13.68 crores have been given to the Public Works Department or PWD(Roads) like construction of drains, grill work, laying of tiles on footpath, covering manholes, etc.
The PWD (Building) Department has been given projects of around Rs 1.35 crore like construction of stage, view cutters, sitting benches, etc.
The PWD (Electrical Division) has been given projects of around Rs 2.2 crore like installation of lights and setting up music and sound systems.
Over Rs 4 lakh has been paid to the Assam Power Disribution Company Limited (APDCL) for installation of six temporary connections and bills for ornamental lights.
Patowary also stated that the decision to convert the stretch of lane along the Brahmaputra river as a walking zone on Sundays was taken so that the local people can enjoy their leisure time with their families without any hindrance and also enjoy the beauty of the river.
The walking zone was started on October 2017 by closing a stretch of 3km lane for vehicles from 4pm to 8 pm every Sunday so people can stroll around freely and enjoy the musical performances and food from various roadside eateries set up along the route.