Photo Courtesy: nenow
Guwahati: The Brahmaputra Board officially launched the Basistha Riverfront Development Project in Guwahati this Friday. Led by Board Chairman Ranbir Singh, the initiative aims to reclaim a 370-metre stretch of the riverfront that has suffered from years of neglect. Once a scenic area, this section had deteriorated into a dumping ground, causing persistent issues with foul odours, insect breeding, and public health risks for the local community.
Development plans focus on environmental restoration through extensive landscaping, the creation of green spaces, and the installation of pedestrian walkways and viewing decks. Officials will also implement bank protection measures and overhaul sanitation infrastructure to prevent further pollution. The Board intends for the site to serve as a sustainable recreational space that promotes local biodiversity while solving chronic waste management problems.
To ensure the project meets ecological and aesthetic standards, the Board has entered a strategic partnership with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). According to the Board, the initiative "could serve as a model for future river rejuvenation and riverfront improvement projects along other stretches of the Basistha River."
The Basistha River originates in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya and travels through Guwahati toward Deepor Beel, a vital wetland ecosystem. The waterway also passes the historic Basistha Ashram, which serves as a major pilgrimage site for visitors across the region. By revitalizing this riverfront, officials hope to provide a cleaner environment for both residents and the many devotees who visit the ashram.
Comments