Assam Forms 'State Capital Region' Around Guwahati

Guwahati: In line with the National Capital Region, Assam will have a 'State Capital Region' encompassing Guwahati and its peripheral areas with the passing of a bill in the state Assembly today.

The Assembly passed Assam State Capital Region Development Authority (ASCRDA) Bill 2017 by voice vote to set up the regional authority for preparation of a plan for rapid development of the SCR.

Introducing the bill in the House, senior minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the SCR shall comprise the districts of Kamrup Metropolitan, Kamrup, Nalbari, Darrang and Morrigaon, fully or partly.

 Capital Guwahati is in Kamrup Metropolitan district.

The authority and guidelines of existing Guwahati Municipal Corporation Development Authority (GMDA), Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and other urban authorities were not sufficient for desired development and growth of SCR, Sarma said

ASCRDA will be the overall authority to direct, implement and monitor the development of SCR, said the state's health, finance and education minister.