Guwahati is set for a cultural and ecological renaissance as the Brahmaputra Riverfront Development project unveils its riverbank transformation, promising an eco‑centric, accessible public space spanning 1.2 km now and ultimately six kilometres from Raj Bhawan to the revered Kamakhya Temple.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated this project will fundamentally enhance city living by offering “something very special” to residents and visitors—blending promenades with green infrastructure along the riverbank. The Guwahati Smart City Limited (GSCL) is heading the initiative between DC Bungalow and Kacharighat, as part of a broader master plan. Estimated at ₹69.85 crore, the first riverfront phase includes ecological upgrades such as reviving water lilies, installing gabion terraces to recharge groundwater, and planting native vegetation. A 15‑metre boulevard will feature jogging and cycling paths, thematic gardens (zen, edible, fragrance), play areas for children, cultural spaces, cultural-inspired “state gates,” food kiosks, CCTV, and parking—all with inclusive access for diverse user groups.
By December 2024, 84 % of physical work and 77 % of funding had been executed. Officials anticipate completing this phase by April or March 2025. The design mirrors the sustainable ethos of landmark riverfronts like Sabarmati in Ahmedabad. The project has not been without controversy. In 2023, some 40 mature trees were felled in Uzanbazar, prompting public concern over potential ecological los. GSCL has since pledged compensatory afforestation, planting 14,000 indigenous saplings, and insists the tree removal was minimal and sanctioned. GSCL’s incorporation of native flora aims to restore urban green cover and promote biodiversity along the riverbank .
Ujjanta Mallabaruah, Assam’s Housing Minister, anticipates the riverfront will elevate Guwahati’s appeal as a tourism hub and a model of sustainable urban living. Complemented by ferry services, jetties, and cultural hubs, the project envisages a gender‑neutral public realm fostering equitable access and strengthening community ties. This transformation marks a pivotal step in Guwahati’s smart‑city efforts: integrating green infrastructure, cultural identity, and connectivity along the Brahmaputra’s pulse. While ensuring ecological responsibility through careful afforestation and sensitive construction, the riverfront is poised to redefine the city’s landscape and enrich the public realm.
As the final phases unfold, Guwahati residents can anticipate a revitalised riverbank—one where recreation, sustainability, heritage, and inclusive infrastructure converge to breathe new life into the city’s riverside heartbeat.
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