GMDA chairman Robin Bordoloi inaugurates concrete block pavements on Harabala Path. Picture by UB Photos

Nov. 23: Hue and cry over the delay in the prolonged process of repairing broken roads will soon come to an end as the concept of concrete block pavements for roads is catching up in Guwahati.

After the M.N. Road in Panbazar, Tarun Nagar and Harabala Path, too, now have concrete block pavements.

Chairman of Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority and Gauhati East legislator, Robin Bordoloi, today inaugurated two concrete block pavements at Tarun Nagar Bylane 1 and Harabala Path off GS Road.

“Constructing roads, drains and footpaths is not enough. All efforts will go in vain if they are not maintained well. Public support is essential to make the efforts of the government fruitful. The money collected by every community in an area for maintenance should be properly utilised,” Bordoloi said.

He said very soon the Tarun Nagar Bylane 3 and 7 would also have concrete block pavements.

Kabita Debi, a resident of Harabala Path, said, “We welcome the endeavour of the government, but we’ll have to wait and see how long these roads will last. Since the drain here often remains blocked and is in a deplorable state, the foundation of the road may suffer. If not once in every two weeks, the drains should be cleaned at least once a month.”

While Rs 40 lakh was spent for constructing the Tarun Nagar Bylane 1, around 20 lakh was utilised for the Harabala Path.

Apart from enhancing the aesthetics of the area, the concrete pavements for roads have long life with maintenance requirement minimal.

Since no machinery is required for laying the blocks, they can be opened for traffic immediately after construction without having to wait for curing or setting of pavement materials.

According to Bordoloi, these can also be easily reinstated whenever required by changing the specific block. The maintenance cost of such roads was also low.

“It is a modern technique which is there in most of the metropolitan cities. Hence, we have prioritised the roads which need to be treated immediately and will slowly develop all the city roads in this concept,” he said.

The GMDA chairman also laid the foundation stone of a drain and footpath of Tarun Nagar Bylane 5.

The drain along the Tarun Nagar Bylane 5 opens into the Bharalu.

“It is because of this drain that waterlogging occurs here so frequently. Once this drain is developed, the situation will come under control,” Bordoloi said.

Subsequently, the Gauhati East MLA proceeded to inaugurate the Bishnu Rabha Nagar Piped Water Supply Scheme at Sarabhati.

The reservoir, which is attached with a treatment plant is an initiative taken up by the GMDA and was set up within an estimated cost of Rs 16 lakh, has a capacity of 22,000 litres and will cater to around 200 families in that area.