Louie Marallag
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Guwahati
Coordinates: 26.17° N 91.77° E
Guwahati
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Guwahati
State
- District(s) Assam
- Kamrup
Coordinates 26.17° N 91.77° E
Area
- Elevation (GMC)216 km²
- 55 m
Time zone IST ([[UTC+5:30]])
Population (2001)
- Density 0.85 million
- 3935 persons per/km²
Mayor ?
Codes
- Postal
- Telephone
- Vehicle
- 781xxx
- +(91)361
- AS-01
?
Guwahati Sound pronunciation? (Assamese: গà§à§±à¦¾à¦¹à¦¾à¦Ÿà§€) is a major city in eastern India, often considered as the gateway to the North-East Region (NER) of the country and is the largest city within the region. Dispur, the capital of the Indian state of Assam is situated within the city. Guwahati is one of the most rapidly growing cities in India. During past few decades it has experienced unprecedented spatial expansion and also steep rise in population. Today, the city straddles between the LGB International Airport in the west to Narengi in the east for almost 45 kilometres and between the southern bank of the Brahmaputra river and the foothills of the Shillong plateau for around 15 kilometres. The city is also getting gradually expanded to the northern bank of Brahmaputra and also to the south to the Ri-bhoi district of the neighbouring state of Meghalaya. Guwahati with population just 0.2 million in 1971 is a million plus city today. Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), the city's local government covers an area of 216sqkm, while Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), the planning and development authority covers an area of 340sq km.
It is a major commercial, administrative and educational centre of eastern India and is home to world class institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati. The city is also a major centre for cultural activities and sports in the North Eastern Region and for the administrative and political activities in Assam. The city is also an important hub for transportation in the North East Region.
Guwahati is one of the most beautiful cities in South Asia with the mighty and picturesque Brahmaputra, river islands (e.g. Umananda), beaches, beach-islands (balicapori), thick tropical green cover, natural sweetwater lakes, hills with thick forests and with beautiful and lively native population.
Traditionally, the city has been an important administrative and trading place and a river port. The name Guwahati is derived from two Assamese words: 'guwa' (areca nut) and 'haat' (market place). The name used to be spelled as Gowhatty (pre-colonial and colonial), standardised to Gauhati (colonial-British), which was then changed to the present form in the late 1980s to conform to the local pronunciation.
Myths and history
Guwahati's myths and history are extended to several thousands of years. Although a specific time of the city's origin is unknown, with reference from the epics, puranas and from the pages of the explored history, it can be concluded that it is one among the ancient cities in Asia.
Epigraphic sources place capitals of many ancient kingdoms in Guwahati. It was the capital of the mythological kings Narakasura and Bhagadatta (reference in Mahabharata). The ancient sakti temple of Kamakhya in the Nilachal hill (also important seat of tantric and Vajrayana Buddhism), Navagraha, the nine planets temple (ancient and a unique temple for astrology) located in Chitrachal Hill and archeological remains in Basistha and many other locations support the mythological characters and the city's ancient past.
The Ambari excavations traces the city to the 6th century AD. The city was known as Pragjyotishpura and Durjoya in different periods of time and was the capital under the Varman and the Pala dynasties of the Kamarupa kingdom. Descriptions by Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) reveals that during the greatest Varman king Bhaskar Varman 7th century, the city was stretched to 19 kms and probably was the principal base for his strong naval force (30,000 war-boats, with officers knowing details of the sea-routes in Indian Ocean to China - Xuanzang). The city remained as the capital of Assam till 10-11th century AD under the rulers of the Pala dynasty. Excavations in Ambari and the brick walls and houses excavated during construction of the present auditorium of Cotton College suggest that it was a city of great size with economic and strategic importance till the 9-11th century AD.
In the medieval times, after weakening and destruction of the Kamata kingdom between the 12-15th century AD, the city lost its earlier glory and became only a strategic outpost of the then Koch Hajo and Ahom Kingdoms of western and eastern Assam. Later the western part of the Koch Kingdom fell to the Mughals and the eastern half became an Ahom protectorate. Although the actual border between both the powers (Ahoms and Mughals) kept fluctuating between Kartoya river (now in North Bengal) to Manas river and Barnadi river time to time, Guwahati became the actual war-front (as the outpost of importance). The city was the seat of the Borphukan, the civil and military authority of the lower Assam region appointed by the Ahom kings. Mughals attacked Assam for 17 times and many a times temporarily Guwahati fell to them. The Battle of Saraighat fought close to Guwahati in 1671 is the most famous and known war, in which the Mughals faced severe defeat due to strong leadership of Lacit Borphukan and hardwork of Assamese Army.
There are a number of historic features in Guwahati. The Dighalipukhuri is a rectangular lake that was connected to the Brahmaputra, and was an ancient boat yard, which was probably also used by the Ahoms in the medieval times. Moreover, there are many tanks, temples, ramparts, etc in the city. The most important archeological site is the Ambari excavation site close to Dighalipukhuri.
Natural environment
Geomorphologically, the city is located in an area, where the Shillong Plateau and the Flood Plains of the Brahmaputra confront each other. Landforms within the city are therefore unique with dissected hills (originally part of the Shillong Plateau), plain areas and natural lakes (the beels), swamps and the mighty river Brahmaputra.
The main city is situated on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra. At places the width of the river is 6 to 8km, while its narrowest portion (1.8km) is in the location of the famous bridge of Xoraighat (Saraighat). There are many permanent and temporary islands and beaches in the river. Umananda a permanent island situated close to the city-centre provides a unque picturesque environment. The natural drainage system consist of the Bharalu River (a tributary - the Brahmaputra) and its inter-linkages to the beels and to the Brahmaputra river. Apart from Bharalu, many small rivers Morabharalu, Bahini, and Basistha flow within the city interconnected with the feeder drains of the city.
There are numerous lakes (beels) spread throughout the city, which largely contribute to aesthetic and natural environments. Deepor Beel, a Ramsar Convention list wetland of international importance, the only such large water reserve of Guwahati adds to its close relation with nature. It is a famous site for the bird fans after being declared a bird sanctuary by the officials. Other water bodies/wetland within the city are Soru Sola Beel and Bor Sola Beel.
There are several hills of different sizes and shapes. The hills in the northern areas (Nilachal or Kamakhya Hill in the north-west, Chitrasala or Kharghuli Hill in the north) close to the bank of Brahmaputra, south-central areas (Narakasur Hill and Fatasil Hill) and eastern areas (Narengi, Hengerabari, etc) have infact guided Guwahati's development in three elongated corridors limiting to the plain areas. Many of these hills such as the Nilachal, Chitrachal, Narakasur, etc are famous of their legendary, religious and historic importance.
Assam experiences intensive rainfall. Guwahati with sufficient rainfall is a city with great bio-diversity with tropical vegetative cover. Lush green landscape, temperate-humid climate and riverine wind are typical to the city. There are several protected forests (mostly in the hills).
Urban morphology
Guwahati's 'urban form' resembles a starfish. With a core in the central areas, the city has tenacles extending in the form of growth corridors towards south, east and west. In the past few decades, the southern Guwahati with the areas such as Ganeshguri, Beltola, Panjabary (Panjabari), etc are forming a southern sub-centre surrounding the capital complex at Dispur and principally depending on the GS Road corridor.
The core area is comprised of the old city with Pan Bozaar, Polton Bozaar, Fanci Bozaar and Ujan Bozaar, each one facilitating unique urban activities. When Polton Bozaar is the hub for transportation and hotels, Pan Bozaar is for educational, administrative, cultural activities and for offices and restaurants, Fanci Bozaar is the hub for retail and wholesale-commercial and on the other hand Ujan Bozaar is for administrative, retail-commercial and residential activities. The core Guwahati with these areas is the busy and lively part of the city. Ulubary (Ulubari), Lacit (Lachit) Nagar and Canmary (Chanmari) with Zoo Road can be considered as added part of the core, which have a mix of retail-commercial and residential activites.
Among the corridors, the most important is the corridor formed along the Guwahati-Shillong (GS) Road towards south (for almost 15kms from city-centre). The GS Road corridor is an important commercial area with retail, wholesale and offices developed along the main road and is also a densly-built residential area in the inner parts. The capital complex of Assam at Dispur is situated in this corridor. The corridor also facilitates growth of a southern node (sub city-centre) at Ganeshguri along with other southern residential areas developed during past few decades.
The corridor towards west (for around 30kms from city-centre) is a rail-road corridor linking not only Guwahati but also other parts of NER east of Guwahati to western Assam and to the mainland India. The corridor links residential and historically important areas such as Nilachal Hill (Kamakhya), Pandu, Maligaon (a major centre for Northeast Frontier Railways) and separates into two - one towards North Guwahati and the other one towards further west to the LGB International Airport via the University of Gauhati (Jalukbari). There are also many river ports / jetties along this corridor.
The third major corridor is towards east (for around 15km from city-centre) linking Noonmati (Guwahati Oil Refinary - IOC Ltd.) and Narengi. The corridor facilitates residential growth towards east.
Moreover, the bypass of NH 37 encircling the city's southern parts linking the western corridor in Jalukbari and the southern corridor in Nomile is currently supporting rapid development along it. Similarly the VIP Road linking Zoo Road and the eastern corridor and recently completed Hengerabary (Hengerabari)-Narengi Road as planned in the older master plan are also supporting massive residential development in the east.
Governance
Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) is the local body responsible for governing, developing and managing the city. GMC has sub-divided the city into 60 municipal wards. The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) is a state parastatal agency currently responsible for planning and development of Guwahati Metropolitan Area, which is currently revising the Guwahati Master Plan and the Building Bye-laws.
The Guwahati Development Department, a special department of the Government of Assam has been recently formed for Guwahati's overall development.
Economy
Separate income estimates for the city are yet not available as city-level income estimation is not a traditional practice in India and is not practised in a systematic and continual manner. But looking at the agglomeration of activities and employment patterns it can be easily understandable that the city contributes a lions share of the state's income.
The major economic activities are trade and commerce, transportation and services. Guwahati is the most important trade hub in NER. It is a major wholesale distribution centre, a marketing hub and also a retail hub in the region. The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre is one of the largest in the world. As in other cities, 'mall culture' is slowly invading Guwahati. Manufacturing is also an important activity although it is not comparable to those of India's rapidly growing industrial cities. The most important manufacturing industry in the city is the petroleum refinery of IOCL at Noonmati. The city is also the head quarter or the seat for regioal offices for several manufacturing and business establishments, e.g. Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL). Guwahati is also important for printing and publishing and businesses related to electronic and print media. During past two decades, businesses such as real estate development, finance, etc are also intensifying.
Tourism and recreation, education, research, cultural activities, etc are also slowly increasing and are contributing to city's economy.
Quality of life
Although being a medium sized city ranking around at 50th position (in terms of population) in India, City's quality of life is comparatively higher. A recent survey (2006) by a popular Indian megazine - Outlook (Money) has ranked Guwahati at 17th among all the major and medium sized Indian cities.
The city provides competitive residential and working environments with beautiful landscapes, pleasant climate, modern shopping areas, modern apartments and bungalows and considerably good social infrastructure.
But infrastructure in the city requires extensive attention, which can increase and revolutionise city's reputation, investment environment and overall growth pattern. Major investments in infrastructure is being planned in the city covering many aspects of utility and transport infrastructures with financial assistance from Asian Development Bank (ADB). City is to also receive substantial city development funds from JNURM (Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission)- the Government of India's recently conceived mission for urban development. A city development plan has been recently finalised for the city.
Utility and transport infrastructure
City suffers from lack of utility infrastructure. Existing water supply system is inadequate. City mostly is dependent on ground water resources (higher water level). City also does not have a comprehenisive underground sewerage system. Septik tanks at individual houses are popular. Storm drainage system is comparatively good, although many areas experience water logging due to heavy rainfall in the monsoon. Extensive soil erosion from the hillocks and clogging of the drainage system is frequent and expensive for the city. Solid waste is being managed by the local authority with private partners. It lacks modern equipements, methods and practices.
Lack of sufficient road space is a major problem. Length of surfaced road within the city is presently 218km (ARSAC). The major corridor roads suffer from insufficient right of way, illegal construction and improper planning and design. The roads in the residential neighbourhoods are extremely narrow (lack of proper regulations) causing problems related to both traffic and infrastructure installations. Cul-de-sacs are not planned and designed properly.
Guwahati has a good public transport system. A government agency - ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation) and many private operators provide a considerably good city-bus system. It requires further modernisation and integration with city planning and management initiatives.
Educational and health infrastructure
Guwahati is also known for its reputed Gauhati University. Among its many other institutions of higher learning are Cotton College (with both Arts and Science streams), Gauhati Commerce College, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Assam Engineering College, College of Veterinary Science, Government Ayurvedic College, Arya Vidyapeeth College (Arts, Science & semi-Commerce), B. Borooah College, Handique Girls College (the latter two have both Arts and Science streams), Assam Engineering Institute (engineering diploma courses) and Indian Institute of Technology.
The city is an important centre for health facilities in eastern India. Many government and private specialty hospitals are available. The most important are the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital, Down Town Hospital, B Baruah Cancer Institute, Sankardev Netralaya, Guwahati Neurological Research Centre, etc. Medical education and research are also important activities.
Sports infrastructure
Guwahati has considerably good sports infrastructure. The Neheru Stadium, Kanaklata Indoor Stadium, Smaller stadiums in Maligaon and Polton Bozaar, etc provide facilities for various sports. Recently completed sports infrastructure - a large stadium at Xoruxojai (Sarusajai), a new indoor stadium, etc are additions specially constructed for the 33rd National Games.
Moreover, along with the Brahmaputra, there are many lakes and rocky hillocks in the city suitable for various water and adventure sports.
Places of interests
Urban Attractions (for Hotels, Restaurants, Shopping and Business Districts):----
Pan Bozaar / Pan Bazar: A lively part of the city centre on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra. Cotton College, Digholy Pukhury (Dighali Pukhuri), The State Museum, RBI, District Court, etc are major landmarks. Moreover, the area also possesses many libraries, major government offices and a shopping district. Restaurants and bookshops in the area provide a unique environment. It is also a major wholesale market for drugs and pharmaceutical products and a hub for printing and publication. Close to Digholy Pukhury, there are many stores with traditional arts and crafts from Assam and other parts of the NER. Kacari Ghat, next to the district court is an important local river port.
Fanci Bozaar / Fanci Bazar: Situated in the western part of the city-centre is a busy commercial district for both wholesale and retail. Fanci Bozaar is the hub for various wholesale products ranging from food and beverages, garments to hardware and building materials. It is also known for the retail shopping areas for clothes and garments.
Polton Bozaar / Paltan Bazar: In the central part of the city-centre is the hub for transportation and hotels. With Guwahati railway station, the regional bus stand (ASTC), numerous hotels, restaurants and offices and stops of numerous private bus service (regional) providers, the area is the busiest and congested. There are also many small shops selling traditional garments from various parts of the NER.
Gonexguri / Ganeshguri: Is a newly developed commercial node in the south outside the city-centre. Its proximity to the state capital complex and rapidly growing southern residential areas have made it an important sub-city-centre. Gonexguri is a busy part of the city with retail shopping areas, hotels and restaurants and small businesses.
Beltola Bozaar / Beltola Bazar: Is a traditional weekly fruits and vegetables market with historic importance. The market exisists since historic past and is an important traditional trading point between the people from the Khasi hills (Meghalaya) and local people. It is a rich market with various types of local food products. It is located in Beltola, a predominantly residential area in the south.
Other Attractions:----
Kamakhya Temple: This ancient temple atop the Nilachal Hills is the seat of tantrik worship and shakti culture. Any person visiting Assam and Guwahati in particular , invariably pays a visit to this temple. Flooded with devotees throughout the year and mainly during the Ambubachi Mela , Kamakhya Temple is the religious heartthrob of the Assamese populace.
Gandhi Mandap: On the top of Sarania hill is Gandhi Mandap a memorial built in honour of Mahatma Gandhi.
Deepor Beel: A large natural lake in the western parts of the city. Provides quality aesthetics and is popular among the bird watchers, ecologists, etc.
The Artifical Lakes: Within the city there many man made fresh water tanks/small lakes built during Ahom era including Dighalipukhuri, Silpukhuri, Nakkatapukhuri and Jorphukhuri. During the Ahom period the the Dighalipukhuri used be an inland port for war ships and boats. In those days it was connected to the Brahmaputra river by a channel. On the western bank of Jorpukhuri (Jor means twin in Assamese; Jorphukhuri meaning Twin tanks) is the Ugra Tara Temple, dedicated to a form of the Hindu/Buddhist goddess Tara (Devi).
Guwahati Zoo: is one of the richest of its kind in India. Major attraction is the one horned rhinocerous. |
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