The Brahmaputra riverfront

Nov. 5: Dispur has engaged Delhi-based firm Pradeep Sachdeva Design Associates, which had designed Dilli Haat and the Garden of Seven Senses, to assist in preparing the masterplan to beautify the riverfront.

A source in the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) said the architecture firm will provide technical assistance to the Infrastructure Development Corporation of Assam Limited (IDCAL) to develop a 6.8-km stretch of the riverfront from Kamakhya Hill to Raj Bhavan.

Dispur has given the mandate to IDCAL, a joint venture between GMDA and Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS) to prepare the riverfront masterplan.

“The masterplan will be a blueprint to develop the areas alongside the Brahmaputra. We will allow commercial activities in these areas so that the projects can sustain themselves,” the source said.

He said Pradeep Sachdeva Design Associates has been engaged because it has the expertise and experience needed to develop a riverfront and other similar projects.

The Delhi-based firm had prepared the concept plan for the Godavari riverfront development at Nanded in eastern Maharashtra.

According to the official, the state government wants to create an economically viable, state-of-the-art, waterfront green belt and plaza in the city, which will be a major recreational, cultural, historical and architectural landmark of the Northeast.

The proposed masterplan would include space for recreation activities through development of parks and provision for showcasing the traditions and culture of the Northeast.

The preservation and upgrading of sites of historical significance, provision of commercial and business hubs to ensure self-sustenance and creation of landmarks that will be objects of envy for other cities is also on the agenda.

“The proposed plan would also recommend steps to fortify the river embankment, relocation of existing facilities and offices, modernisation or consolidation of existing ferry jetties and creation of basic infrastructure for water sport,” the source said.

A public meeting has been convened by the GMDA at the circuit house at 11.30am tomorrow order to incorporate suggestions from the public, including those from the stakeholders like local architects, planners and engineers.

“At the meeting, IDCAL would give a presentation on how the plan will be prepared. The meeting will provide a forum for discussion and solicit comments on the project from the people,” he added.