?Guwahati Assam • India
Guwahati
Coordinates: 26°10′N 91°46′E / 26.17, 91.77
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Area • Elevation	216 km² (83 sq mi) • 55 m (180 ft)
District(s)	Kamrup
Population • Density	808,021 (2001) • 3,935 /km² (10,192 /sq mi)
Mayor	Dolly Borah
Codes • Pincode • Telephone • Vehicle	• 781xxx • +(91)361 • AS-01
Website: www.guwahatimunicipalcorporation.com

Coordinates: 26°10′N 91°46′E / 26.17, 91.77 Guwahati (Assamese: গুৱাহাটী, Hindi: गुवाहाटी, previously spelled Gauhati) 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. Assam) ( Assamese: অসম Ôxôm) is a northeastern state of India with its capital at Dispur, a suburb of the city India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country A geographic coordinate system enables every location on the Earth to be specified in three coordinates using mainly a spherical coordinate system. Indian Standard Time ( IST) is the time observed throughout India and Sri Lanka, with a Time offset of UTC+530. UTC+530 is the Timezone for Indian Standard Time Sri Lanka Time The geography of India is diverse with landscape ranging from snow-capped mountain ranges to deserts plains rainforests hills and plateaus The elevation of a Geographic location is its height above a fixed reference point often the mean sea level. A district is an administrative division of an Indian state or territory. Kamrup district was an administrative district in the state of Assam in India, named after Kamarupa, a name by which Assam was previously known In Biology a population is the collection of inter-breeding organisms of a particular Species; in Sociology Population density (in agriculture standing stock and Standing crop) is a measurement of Population per unit area or unit volume Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. A Postal Index Number or PIN or Pincode is the post office numbering or Post code system used by India Post the Indian Postal For the past decade or so telecommunication activities have gained momentum in India KA-19-P-8488jpg|thumb|270px|Close up of a licence plate used in Mangalore, Karnataka. A geographic coordinate system enables every location on the Earth to be specified in three coordinates using mainly a spherical coordinate system. Assamese (অসমীয়া) (ɔxɔmija is the easternmost Indo-Aryan language, spoken mainly in the state of Assam in North-East Hindi ( Devanāgarī: hi [[wiktहिन्दी हिन्दी]] or hi [[wiktहिंदी हिंदी]] IAST:, IPA:) is India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country North-East India refers to the easternmost region of India consisting of the contiguous Seven Sister States and Sikkim. Dispur, the capital of the Indian state of Assam is situated within the city. WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Dispur (দিছপুৰ is the capital of Assam, a state in northeast India. Assam) ( Assamese: অসম Ôxôm) is a northeastern state of India with its capital at Dispur, a suburb of 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. In fact according to a survey done by a UK media, Guwahati is among the first 100 fastest growing city of the world and its 5th fastest growing among Indian cities. 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. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, also known as Guwahati International Airport and formerly as Borjhar Airport, is the airport of Guwahati The Brahmaputra, also called Tsangpo-Brahmaputra is a Trans-boundary river and one of the major Rivers of Asia. Shillong ( Khasi Shillong ( Hindi: शिलांग Bengali: শিলং is the capital of Meghalaya, one of the smallest states in Moreover, the city is also getting gradually expanded to the northern bank of Brahmaputra. 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 216 km², while Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), the planning and development authority covers an area of 340 km². Guwahati Municipal Corporation or GMC in short is the local government in Guwahati. Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority or GMDA is a state parastatal agency of Government of Assam created for the Guwahati metropolitan area

It is a major commercial and educational center of eastern India and is home to world class institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati. Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati ( IIT Guwahati or IITG) an autonomous institute for education and research in science engineering and technology located The city is also a major center 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. North-East India refers to the easternmost region of India consisting of the contiguous Seven Sister States and Sikkim.

Guwahati is also one of the most beautiful cities in South Asia with the mighty and picturesque Brahmaputra, river islands (e. The Brahmaputra, also called Tsangpo-Brahmaputra is a Trans-boundary river and one of the major Rivers of Asia. 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, Guwahati has been an important administrative and trading center and a river port. The name Guwahati is derived from two Assamese words: 'guwa' (areca nut) and 'haat' (market place). Assamese (অসমীয়া) (ɔxɔmija is the easternmost Indo-Aryan language, spoken mainly in the state of Assam in North-East The name used to be spelled as Gowhatty (pre-colonial and colonial), standardized 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

View of part of Guwahati from the Sarania Hills, with the Brahmaputra river. The Brahmaputra, also called Tsangpo-Brahmaputra is a Trans-boundary river and one of the major Rivers of Asia. The peaked Kamakhya Hills are to the left, the Saraighat bridge near the horizon and on the right bank is North Guwahati. Saraighat Bridge is the first rail-cum-road bridge constructed over the mighty Brahmaputra in Guwahati. The Nehru stadium and the railway station are faintly visible, right bottom.

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 Naraka and Bhagadatta (reference in the 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 archaeological remains in Basista and many other locations support the mythological characters and the city's ancient past. The Kamakhya Temple is a shakti temple situated on the Nilachal Hill in western part of Guwahati city in Assam, India.

The Ambari excavations trace 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. Varman is a village in Sirohi District in Rajasthan state in India. Descriptions by Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) reveal that during the greatest Varman king Bhaskaravarma 7th century AD, the city was stretched to 19 km 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). See also Xuanzang (fictional character Xuanzang ( pronounced Shwan-dzang) was a famous Chinese Buddhist Monk, scholar traveler See also Xuanzang (fictional character Xuanzang ( pronounced Shwan-dzang) was a famous Chinese Buddhist Monk, scholar traveler 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, Guwahati suggest that it was a city of great size with economic and strategic importance till the 9-11th century AD. Cotton College is a premier institution for higher education located in the heart of Guwahati, Assam, a northeastern state of India.

Digholy Pukhury, Guwahati

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. The Kamata kingdom appeared in the western part of the older Kamarupa kingdom in the 13th century, after the fall of the Pala dynasty. Koch Hajo was the eastern portion of the Kamata kingdom of medieval Assam that Nara Narayan handed over to Raghudev (son of Chilarai) to govern fixing The Ahom Kingdom (1228–1826 called Kingdom of Assam in medieval times was a medieval kingdom in the Brahmaputra valley in Assam that maintained its Later the western part of the Koch Kingdom fell to the Mughals and the eastern half became an Ahom protectorate. The Mughal Empire ( Persian and self-designation گورکانی; مغلیہ سلطنت) was an Islamic imperial power which ruled most 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. Borphukan ( Ahom language: Phu-Kan-Lung) was one of the five patra mantris (councillors in the Ahom kingdom, a position that was created by the The Borphukan's residence was in the present Fansi Bazaar area, and his council-hall, called Dopdar, was situated about 300 yards to the west of the Bharalu stream. The Majindar Baruah, the personal secretary of the Borphukan, had his residence in the present-day Deputy Commissioner's residence (Baruah 1992:200-201). WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Guwahati ( Assamese: গুৱাহাটী previously spelled Gauhati) is a major city in

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 Lachit Borphukan and hard work of Assamese Army. The Battle of Saraighat was fought in 1671 between the Mughal empire (led by the Kachwaha king Raja Ramsingh I) and the Ahom Kingdom

There are a number of historic features in Guwahati. The Dighali Pukhuri 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 archaeological site is the Ambari excavation site close to Digholy Pukhury.

Natural environment

Bor-Sola Beel, Guwahati

Geomorphologically, the city is located in an area, where the Shillong Plateau and the Floodplains of the Brahmaputra confront each other. Geomorphology (from Greek: γη ge, "earth" μορφή morfé, "form" and λόγος Logos, "knowledge" The Shillong Plateau is a Plateau in eastern Meghalaya state northeastern India ||-||-||-||-||-||-||-||}A floodplain, or flood plain, is flat or nearly flat land adjacent to a Stream or River that experiences occasional or periodic The Brahmaputra, also called Tsangpo-Brahmaputra is a Trans-boundary river and one of the major Rivers of Asia. 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 8 km, while its narrowest portion (1. 8 km) is in the location of the famous bridge of Saraighat. There are many permanent and temporary islands and beaches in the river. Umananda a permanent island situated close to the city-center provides a unique 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 Basista flow within the city interconnected with the feeder drains of the city.

There are numerous 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. Dipor Bil, also spelt Deepor Beel (Bil or Beel is the name of lake in local Assamese language) is located to the south-west of Guwahati city The Ramsar Convention is an international Treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of Wetlands i 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. The Bor-Sola Beel, which about four times the length of Dighalipukhuri, stretches from behind the Meghadoot Cinema hall and the Nepali Mandir in the Paltan Bazaar locality in the north end to Sarabhatti locality in the south end and is the biggest water body within the city.

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, Kalapahar and Fatasil Hill) and eastern areas (Narengi, Hengerabari, etc) have in fact 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.

Climate

Guwahati's climate is mildly sub-tropical with warm, dry summers from April to late May, a strong monsoon from June to September and cool, dry winters from late October to March. The subtropics are the zones of the Earth immediately north and south of the tropic zone which is bounded by the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of The city's average yearly temperature is recorded at 24 degree Celsius (76 °F). Temperature is a physical property of a system that underlies the common notions of hot and cold something that is hotter generally has the greater temperature Average high temperature is recorded at 29 degree Celsius (85 °F), while the average low at 19 degree Celsius (67 °F). The highest recorded yearly temperature is 40 degree Celsius (104 °F), while the lowest recorded yearly temperature is 5 degree Celsius (41 °F). December, January and February are the coldest and June, July, August and September are the hottest. Average yearly precipitation is 161. In Meteorology, precipitation (also known as one class of hydrometeors, which are atmospheric water phenomena is any product of the condensation of atmospheric 3 cm (63. 5inches) with an average number of 77. 3 rainy days. June and July are the wettest months. Extreme high level of humidity, many a times at more than 80/90 percent often creates discomfort during summer. Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air In daily language the term "humidity" is normally taken to mean Relative humidity.

Urban morphology

Guwahati's Urban Morphology

Guwahati's 'urban form' is somewhat like a starfish. With a core in the central areas, the city has tentacles 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, Panjabari, etc. Beltola is a prime residential area in the southern part of Guwahati, Assam. are forming a southern sub-center surrounding the capital complex at Dispur and principally depending on the GS Road corridor. WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Dispur (দিছপুৰ is the capital of Assam, a state in northeast India.

The core area is comprised of the old city with Pan Bazaar, Paltan Bazaar, Fansi Bazaar and Ujan Bazaar, each one facilitating unique urban activities. Pan Bozaar, Guwahati is a well developed part of the city centre on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra river Polton Bozaar Guwahati Polton Bozaar or Paltan Bazar in the central part of the city-centre is the hub for transportation and hotels in Guwahati, Assam. When Paltan Bazaar is the hub for transportation and hotels, Pan Bazaar if for educational, administrative, cultural activities and for offices and restaurants, Fansi Bazaar is the hub for retail and wholesale-commercial and on the other hand Ujan Bazaar is for administrative, retail-commercial and residential activities. The core Guwahati with these areas is the busy and lively part of the city. Ulubari, Lachit Nagar and Chandmari with Zoo (R. G. Baruah) Road can be considered as added part of the core, which have a mix of retail-commercial and residential activities.

Among the corridors, the most important is the corridor formed along the Guwahati-Shillong (GS) Road towards south (almost 15 km from the city-center). The GS Road corridor is an important commercial area with retail, wholesale and offices developed along the main road and is also a densely-built residential area in the inner parts. The capital complex of Assam at Dispur is situated in this corridor. WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Dispur (দিছপুৰ is the capital of Assam, a state in northeast India. The corridor also facilitates growth of a southern node (sub city-center) at Ganeshguri along with other southern residential areas developed during past few decades.

The corridor towards west (around 30 km from the city-center) 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. North-East India refers to the easternmost region of India consisting of the contiguous Seven Sister States and Sikkim. The corridor links residential and historically important areas such as Nilachal Hill (Kamakhya), Pandu, Maligaon (headquarters of 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). In the Mahābhārata epic Pandu ( Sanskrit: पाण्‍डु is the son of Vichitravirya and his second wife Ambalika from Vyasa WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> North Guwahati is a town and a Town area committee in Kamrup district in the Indian Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, also known as Guwahati International Airport and formerly as Borjhar Airport, is the airport of Guwahati Gauhati University, the first University of North East India located in Jalukbari area in the western part Guwahati city Assam, India the university There are also many river ports/jetties along this corridor.

The third major corridor is towards east (around 15 km from the city-center) linking Noonmati (Guwahati Oil Refinery - IOC Ltd. Indian Oil Corporation is an Indian public-sector petroleum company ) 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 Hengerabari-Narengi Road as planned in the older master plan are also supporting massive residential development in the east.

In brief, the major components of Guwahati's urban structure are:

• The core or the 'city center' with Pan Bazaar, Paltan Bazaar, Fansi Bazaar and Ujan Bazaar
• The extended core with Chandmari, Zoo Road and Ulubari
• The north-southeast Guwahati-Shillong (GS) Road Corridor
• The southern sub-center of Ganeshguri
• The western corridor towards Kamakhya, Jalukbari and LGBI Airport and
• The eastern corridor towards Noonmati and Narengi

Greater Guwahati Mouzas and Villages

Silasindurighopa : Nort-Guwahati, Rudreswar, Gouripur, Abhoypur, Tilinggaon, Sila Grant, Ghorajan, Nomalijalah, Amingaon. Pan Bozaar, Guwahati is a well developed part of the city centre on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra river Polton Bozaar Guwahati Polton Bozaar or Paltan Bazar in the central part of the city-centre is the hub for transportation and hotels in Guwahati, Assam. In Bangladesh, a mouza is a type of administrative district corresponding to a specific land area within which there may be one or more settlements Silasindurighopa is a Mouza under greater Guwahati city

Pub Bangsar : Charmajuli pam.

Dakhin Rani : Barjhar, Kahikuchi, Jugipara.

Chhayani : Kaithasidhi.

Jalukbari : Garalgaon, Ajaragaon, Dharampur, Upar Mirjapur, Mikirpara Chakardai, Dipar Bill, Pamahi, Dehangarigaon, Kacharigarigaon, Pachim Jalukbari, Dakhin Jalukbari, Maj-Jalukbari, Uttar Jalukbari, Sadilapur, Tetelia, Pachim Baragaon, Pub Baragaon, Pub Baragaon N. C. , Pachim Baragaon N. C. , Tetelia N. C. , Gotanagar, Maligaon, Durgasarobar N. C. , Fatasilgaon N. C. , Kamakhya, Gorpandu, Kumarpara, Pandu, Bharalumukhgaon, Jugipara.

Beltola : Dhalbama, Betkuchi, Jutikuchi, Fatasilgaon, Barsapara, Greenwood Grant, Odalbakra Grant, Odalbaragaon, Dakhingaon, Saukuchi, Saru-Sajoi, Bar-Sajoi, Natbama, Hatigaon, Jatia, Kahelipara-gaon, Kahelipara N. Beltola is a prime residential area in the southern part of Guwahati, Assam. C. , Dispur, Dispur N. C. , Bhagargaon Grant, Japarigog, Hengrabari N. C. , Hengrabari Garden, Hengrabarigaon, Saru Mataria, Rukunigaon, Bar Mataria, Khanapara, Maidam, Basistha, Basistha Grant, Basisthagaon, Duar-Andha, Bagharbari, Satgaon, Birkuchigaon, Birkuchi N. C. , Kalitakuchigaon, Kalitakuchi N. C. , Nunmati, Modghoria N. C. , Modghoria No. 1, Modghoria No. 2, Nunmati Garden, Bondagaon, Bonda Grant-I, Bonda Grant-II, Bonda N. C. , Kharghuligaon, Sunsali Grant, Kharghuli Gaon, Kharghuli N. C. , Jansimalu, Jansimalu N. C.

Ulubari : Ulubari New Town, Sarania New Town, Bamuni Maidan New Town, Nunmatigaon, Ulubari, Bamuni Maidam, Ramcha Hill Grant, Chunsali Grant, Clarence Grant, Kharghuli New Town.

Guwahati : Guwahati

Governance

Guwahati Municipal Corporation

Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) is the local body responsible for governing, developing and managing the city. Guwahati Municipal Corporation or GMC in short is the local government in Guwahati. 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. Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority or GMDA is a state parastatal agency of Government of Assam created for the Guwahati metropolitan area

The Guwahati Development Department, a special department of the Government of Assam has been recently formed for Guwahati's overall development.

Demographics

Guwahati is one of the most rapidly growing cities in India. The city's population grew from just two-hundred thousand in 1971 to more than five-hundred thousand in 1991 and in the census of 2001 the city's population was found to be 808,021. By 2011, it is estimated that Guwahati will be a million plus city.

In 2001, males constituted 55 percent while the females at 45 percent. It was found that 10 percent of the population is under 6 years of age. Guwahati has an average literacy rate of 78 percent with a male literacy at 81 and female at 74 percent.

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 practiced 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 center, a marketing hub and also a retail hub in the region. The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre is one of the largest in the world. The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC is one of the busiest tea trading facilities 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. Indian Oil Corporation is an Indian public-sector petroleum company The city is also the head quarter or the seat for regional offices for several manufacturing and business establishments, e. g. Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL). Nestled in the sylvan environs of the Brahmaputra valley where the beautiful rendezvous of water and land throws up myriad colours Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL which was set up at Numaligarh 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 magazine - 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 revolutionize city's reputation, investment environment and overall growth pattern. Major investments in infrastructure are being planned in the city covering many aspects of utility and transport infrastructures with financial assistance from Asian Development Bank (ADB). Asian Development Bank (ADB is a regional development bank established in 1966 to promote economic and social development in Asian and Pacific countries through loans and technical 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. Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission is a massive city modernisation scheme launched by Government of India. A city development plan has been recently finalised for the city.

Utility and transport infrastructure

The city suffers from lack of utility infrastructure. The existing water supply system is inadequate. It depends largely on ground water resources (higher water level). Neither has it a comprehensive underground sewage system. Septic tanks at individual houses are popular. The 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 equipment, methods and practices.

Lack of sufficient road space is also a major problem. The length of surfaced road within the city is presently 218 km (ARSAC). The major corridor roads suffer from insufficient right of way, illegal construction and improper planning and design. The roads in the residential neighborhoods are extremely narrow (lack of proper regulations) causing problems related to both traffic and infrastructure installations. Cul-de-sacs are neither planned nor 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. Besides these Guwahati is the first city in northeast where low floored buses were introduced.

Guwahati is serviced the Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at Borjhar about 20 km west of the city center. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, also known as Guwahati International Airport and formerly as Borjhar Airport, is the airport of Guwahati Air connectivity has improved considerably in the last couple of years and all major domestic airlines fly into Guwahati except Go Air. Not to be confused with go!, the Hawaiian airline GoAir is a low-cost airline based in Mumbai, India. Indian connects Guwahati internationally to Bangkok once a week. Indian Airlines or Indian ( Hindi: इंडियन एयरलाइंस or इंडियन was an airline based in Delhi India and focused primarily Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (krūŋtʰêːp máhǎːnákʰɔn) or Krung Thep ( for short is the Capital, largest Guwahati airport averages about 20 arrivals and departures a day.

Guwahati has three railway stations serving it. Its major station is Guwahati Junction. Two minor stations are Kamakhya (adjacent to the NF Railways headquarters) and New Guwahati (for freight services) located towards west and east respectively. Major trains serving Guwahati are Guwahati Rajdhani Express, Saraighat Express, North-East Express, Guwahati-Jorhat Town Jan Shatabdi Express. Rajdhani Express is a Passenger train service in India connecting National Capital New Delhi with other important destinations especially capitals of States in India WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Jorhat (যোৰহাট is a town in Jorhat district in the Indian state

Guwahati is very well connected with adjoining regions via bus services. Two nodal points, Adabari and Paltan Bazaar, provide bus services to towns and cities in Assam and adjoining states. Some of these services are run by the government agency ASTC, whereas a vast majority of them are run by private companies. "Night supers", or buses that run overnight, and luxury coaches, are very popular.

Educational and health infrastructure

IIT Guwahati Academic and Administrative Buildings

The city has Gauhati University in Jalukbari. Gauhati University, the first University of North East India located in Jalukbari area in the western part Guwahati city Assam, India the university The century old Cotton College is one of the most reputed colleges in eastern India and possesses great scholastic and cultural values. Cotton College is a premier institution for higher education located in the heart of Guwahati, Assam, a northeastern state of India.

The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati is the recent addition to the high-profile world's renowned IITs in India. Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati ( IIT Guwahati or IITG) an autonomous institute for education and research in science engineering and technology located Within a very short period of time, Guwahati IIT is proving itself as an excellent institution for research and education and its ranking among the IITs in India is increasing every year.

The Assam Engineering College and the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital are the two important institutions for science and technology and medical education. Assam Engineering College established in 1955 is located in Jalukbari area of Guwahati city Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH is located in Guwahati, India.

Among the city's many other institutions of higher learning, Gauhati Commerce College, College of Veterinary Science, Government Ayurvedic College, Arya Vidyapeeth College,B. Borooah College, Handique Girls College (the latter two have both Arts and Science streams), Assam Engineering Institute (engineering diploma courses), Pandu College, LCB College, West Guwahati Commerce College,K. C. Das Commerce College(1983)http://www.kcdccollege.com, Netaji Vidyapith Rly. H. S. School(Maligaon), Vidya Niketan High School(Pandu) etc. are well known.

The city is an important center for health facilities in eastern India. Many government and private specialty hospitals are available. The most important are the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati Neurological Research Centre (GNRC), Down Town Hospital, B. Baruah Cancer Institute, Sankardev Netralaya, , etc. Medical education and research are also important activities.

Sports infrastructure

Guwahati has considerably good sports infrastructure. The Nehru Stadium and the Kanaklata Indoor Stadium in R. G. Baruah Sport Complex in Ulubari locality is older sports complex of the city. There are smaller stadiums in Maligaon--the N. F. Railway Stadium and in Paltan Bazaar area where the SAI Sports complex is located. Recently completed sports infrastructure specially constructed for the 33rd National Games includes a large stadium at Sarusajai--the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, the Dr. Zakir Hussain Aquatic Complex, and the Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi A. C. Indoor Hall. Other new sports infrastructure include the Maulana Md. Tayabullah Hockey Stadium in Bhetapara, the Deshbhakta Tarun Ram Phookan Indoor Stadium at Ulubari, Rajib Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Amingaon, and Chachal Tennis Complex. Bhetapara is a fast growing residential cum commercial area of Guwahati city in Kamrup (metro district in Assam state in India. The other renovated sports complexes include--Ganesh Mandir Indoor Stadium, Khanapara, Rudra Singha Sports Complex, Dispur and Gauhati University sports stadium.

Moreover, along with the Brahmaputra, there are many lakes and rocky hillocks in the city suitable for various water and adventure sports. The Brahmaputra, also called Tsangpo-Brahmaputra is a Trans-boundary river and one of the major Rivers of Asia.

Places of interests

Guwahati possesses many places of interests with lively urban activities, ancient temples, attractive natural features (apart from the Brahmaputra river) and with recreational activities. Guwahati is also situated at the center of an attractive region (within 200 km radius) with natural parks, wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations of different types and with a colourful cultural landscape.

Urban attractions

There are several interesting and lively places in the city. These areas provide the city with hotels, restaurants, shopping and business areas. The most lively part is the city center. Momos and chicken rolls are popular fast food available almost in every restaurant. Moreover, there several good restaurants offering Indian, South Indian, traditional Assamese, Chinese and continental food. There are also several good book shops and music stores. Few of these lively areas in the city are:

Brahmaputra with Ferry; Fancy Bazaar

Pan Bazaar: A lively part of the city center on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra. Pan Bozaar, Guwahati is a well developed part of the city centre on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra river Cotton College, Digholy Pukhury (Dighali Pukhuri), The State Museum, RBI, District Court (Kamrup District), etc. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI भारतीय रिज़र्व बैंक is the Central bank of India, and was established on April Kamrup district was an administrative district in the state of Assam in India, named after Kamarupa, a name by which Assam was previously known 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. North-East India refers to the easternmost region of India consisting of the contiguous Seven Sister States and Sikkim. Kacari Ghat, next to the district court is an important local river port.

Fancy Bazaar: Situated in the western part of the city-center is a busy commercial district for both wholesale and retail. Fansi Bazaar 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.

(because of the existence of a district jail, hangings used to take place here during the British regime, which is responsible for the prefix 'Phasi', i. e. , hanging, that later got mispronounced as 'Fancy')

Paltan Bazaar: In the central part of the city-center 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. North-East India refers to the easternmost region of India consisting of the contiguous Seven Sister States and Sikkim.

Ganeshguri: Is a newly developed commercial node in the south outside the city-center. Its proximity to the state capital complex and rapidly growing southern residential areas have made it an important sub-city-center. Ganeshguri is a busy part of the city with retail shopping areas, hotels and restaurants and small businesses.

Beltola Bazaar: 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. The Khasi Hills are part of the Garo-Khasi range in Meghalaya, India, and is part of the Patkai range and of the Meghalaya subtropical forests Meghalaya is a small state in north-eastern India. The word "Meghalaya" literally means "The Abode of Clouds" in Sanskrit and 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.

There is a temple of Purva Tirupati Sri Balaji situated in a sprawling 2 acres of land at Betkuchi, Guwahati. In this complex, the temples of Sri Balaji, Sri Ganesha and Padmabati (Mahalaxmi) with Garuda is the main attraction for the visitors.

Gandhi Mandap: On the top of Sarania hill is Gandhi Mandap a memorial built in honour of Mahatma Gandhi. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi ( Gujarati: મોહનદાસ કરમચંદ ગાંધી moɦən̪d̪äs kəɾəmʧən̪d̪ gän̪d̪ʱi (2 October 1869 – 30 January Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi ( Gujarati: મોહનદાસ કરમચંદ ગાંધી moɦən̪d̪äs kəɾəmʧən̪d̪ gän̪d̪ʱi (2 October 1869 – 30 January

Deepor Beel: A large natural lake in the western parts of the city. Dipor Bil, also spelt Deepor Beel (Bil or Beel is the name of lake in local Assamese language) is located to the south-west of Guwahati city Provides quality aesthetics and is popular among the bird watchers, ecologists, etc.

The Artificial Lakes: Within the city there many man made fresh water tanks/small lakes built during Ahom era including Dighalipukhuri, Silpukhuri, Nakkatapukhuri and Jorphukhuri. The Ahoms established the Ahom kingdom (1228-1826 in parts of present-day Assam and ruled it for nearly 600 years During the Ahom period 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. The Brahmaputra, also called Tsangpo-Brahmaputra is a Trans-boundary river and one of the major Rivers of Asia. 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). Assamese (অসমীয়া) (ɔxɔmija is the easternmost Indo-Aryan language, spoken mainly in the state of Assam in North-East A temple dedicated to Tara (Devi located in the western side of Jor Pukhury tanks in the heart of Guwahati city in the Lotaxil (Latasil locality In Hinduism, the Goddess Tara ( Sanskrit: Tārā, Devanagari: तारा) meaning "star" is the second of the

Assam State (Guwahati) Zoo: Assam State (Guwahati) Zoo is one of the richest of its kind in India. Major attraction are the one horned Rhinoceros, the Tigers and the Hoolock Gibbon. The tiger ( Panthera tigris) is a member of the Felidae family the largest and the most powerful of the four " Big cats quot in the Genus The hoolock gibbons ( Hoolock) also known as hoolocks, are two Primate species from the family of the gibbons ( Hylobatidae)

Rhino in Assam State Zoo, Guwahati

The key attractions are:

Regional attractions

Guwahati is also located centrally to many of the regional tourist destinations and the city provides basic communication services and tours to access these. Dipor Bil, also spelt Deepor Beel (Bil or Beel is the name of lake in local Assamese language) is located to the south-west of Guwahati city Lankeswar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple on top of a hillock in the western part of the Guwahati city near Gauhati Universitycampus The Rudreswar Devaloy (Temple was built by Ahom King Pramatta Singha (reign 1744 to 1751 in honour of his father Rudra Singha who died in August 1714 A temple dedicated to Tara (Devi located in the western side of Jor Pukhury tanks in the heart of Guwahati city in the Lotaxil (Latasil locality For the village in Azerbaijan see Həjo. Hajo is an ancient pilgrimage centre for three religions Hindus, Buddhists, and This medieval Garh (meaning fort in Assamese language) or Fort, now popularly known as Lachit Garh is located in the south western part of the Guwahati city to the Few of these are:

• Kaziranga National Park - 200 km east, famous for one horned rhinoceros
• Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary - 60 km east
• Shillong - 100 km south, a beautiful hill station and the capital city of Meghalaya surrounded by pine forests
• Tawang - 200 km north, a famous Buddhist monastery in the snow-clad Arunachal-Himalayas
• Manah / Manas National Park - 150 km west, a beautiful wildlife sanctuary in the foot hills of Himalaya

Moreover, there are several wonderful picnic spots (e. Kaziranga National Park (কাজিৰঙা ৰাষ্ট্ৰীয় উদ্যান, pronounced) is a national park in the Golaghat and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife preserve in the state of Assam in India. Shillong ( Khasi Shillong ( Hindi: शिलांग Bengali: শিলং is the capital of Meghalaya, one of the smallest states in Manas National Park is a National Park, UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, a Project Tiger Reserve an Elephant Reserve and a Biosphere g. Candubi) in and around the city.

Hundreds of traditional Oxomeeya (Assamese), Bodo, Karbi, Tiwa, Garo, Khasi villages and traditional way of life in 200 km radius of the city can be of great interests to tourist. Assamese (অসমীয়া) (ɔxɔmija is the easternmost Indo-Aryan language, spoken mainly in the state of Assam in North-East For the place in Armenia see Karbi Armenia. The Karbis, mentioned as the Mikir in the Constitution Order of the Government of India For other uses see Garo. is a Japanese Tokusatsu Television series The Khasi are a tribe in Meghalaya, India and in parts of Bangladesh, who call themselves Hynniew trep (which means "the seven huts" Bamboo and fruit orchards, handloom and handicraft, wet paddy fields, fishing, etc. are typical characteristics of local traditional way of life. Xorthebary and Xualkuchi are two places near the city with tradition of bronze-crafts and silk weaving for thousands of years.

Madan Kamdev, at 35 km from the city is an important archeological site with ancient ruins of temples and other structures.

Hajo and the sacred place of Hayagriba Madhava are two important religious places both for the Hindus and the Buddhists. One of the temples, which is known as the Haygriba Madhava temple is a Bishnu temple for the Hindus and at the same time an important shrine for the Tibetan Buddhists. The Buddhists believe that the Buddha attained nirvana at this place. The temple was destroyed by Kalapahar and was rebuilt by the Koch king Raghudev in 1543. Another temple in proximity was built by the Ahom king Pramatta Singha, where 'doul' - a grand religious festival is celebrated every year. There is a large pond with a giant turtle close to the temple. Puwa Macca in Hajo is an important religious place for Muslims with a mosque built in 1657 during the time of Mughal's invasion.

References

External links

The links provide access to important websites related to governance, educational and health establishments, industries and businesses, travel, tourism, media and major events in Guwahati:

Governance, Justice and Police

• Guwahati Municipal Corporation
• The District of Kamrup
• The Government of Assam
• The Gauhati High Court, Guwahati
• Guwahati City Police

Education

• Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
• Cotton College, Guwahati
• Gauhati University
• Assam Engineering College, Guwahati

Health

• Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati
• Down Town Hospital, Guwahati

Economy - Industries

• Guwahati Tea Auction Centre
• West Assam Milk Producers' Cooperative Union Ltd, Guwahati
• Reference - Guwahati Refinery (IOCL web)

Tourism and Travel

• Assam Tourism
• Information on Guwahati
• Jungle Travels - a private tour operator, Guwahati
• Assam State Transport Corporation
• Indian Railways Reservation Enquiry
• LGB International Airport, Guwahati
• Indian Airlines
• Jet Airways
• Kingfisher Airlines
• Air Sahara
• Indigo Airlines
• More information on Guwahati
• Guwahati Hotel Information
• [1]

Software & IT

• A Guwahati Website Designing Company
• Web Hosting Company

Media, Culture, Sports, etc

• The Assam Tribune: An English daily, Guwahati
• Asomiya Pratidin: An Assamese daily, from Guwahati
• [2]-The official website of pioneer Indian painter from North East.
• rupaliparda.com - link to cinema, music, local TV channels
• guwahati.com - a local website
• 33rd National Games, Guwahati (with the new sports complex)
• 8th North-East Book Fair, Guwahati
• [3]- The official website of pioneer Indian painter from North East.