Guwahati is set to witness a significant transformation in its urban landscape and municipal services following a series of pivotal announcements made today at the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) headquarters. The Mayor, accompanied by the Deputy Mayor and the GMC Commissioner, unveiled a comprehensive agenda designed to modernize infrastructure, streamline citizen services, and foster environmental sustainability across the city.
A key highlight of the announced initiatives is the impending transfer of water supply responsibilities from the GMC to the Guwahati Jal Board (GJB). To ensure a seamless transition for residents, a substantial subsidy of ₹9,500 is being offered to those opting for a new 15mm diameter GJB pipe connection. This financial assistance will also be extended to religious institutions, community halls, namghars, women’s groups, and clubs. A joint survey by the GJB and GMC is currently underway to facilitate this handover, with GMC’s water supply services slated to discontinue from July 1, 2025. Citizens are urged to avail of the subsidy before the June 30, 2025 deadline.
In a move to enhance urban planning and improve service delivery efficiency, the GMC has launched a city-wide Geographic Information System (GIS)-based house numbering system for all residential and commercial properties. Geovista Technologies Pvt. Ltd. has already completed the survey in 27 wards, with the remaining areas expected to be covered by the end of the current year. The installation of unique house number plates is scheduled to commence this month, and the GMC has appealed to all citizens for their full cooperation in this essential exercise.
Demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and community well-being, the GMC has introduced an innovative property tax rebate scheme. Households maintaining urban forests within their premises or those with designated ‘Swachha Poduli’ (clean courtyards) will be eligible for a property tax rebate of up to 10 per cent. An online portal for applications will be launched soon, and GMC officials will verify the entries before awarding the rebates.
Further bolstering its focus on sustainable water management, the GMC announced a program offering free installation of rainwater harvesting systems in schools and public institutions willing to adopt this eco-friendly practice. Additionally, organizations possessing dry bore wells or tube wells are being encouraged to contact the GMC for potential recharge solutions, aiming to conserve groundwater resources.
In a significant step towards improving the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ in the city, the GMC is overhauling its existing trade license system. The current process, which required multiple licenses for various services within a single establishment and relied on difficult-to-assess income brackets for categorization, is being streamlined. The key changes include the introduction of a single trade license for multiple similar businesses operating under one establishment, categorized under broader heads, and the elimination of redundant trade categories, promising a simpler and more efficient system for businesses.