GUWAHATI:  Assam government has spent over Rs 17 crore in less than one year and is incurring recurring expenses to maintain a stretch of ‘walking zone’ for six hours every Sunday along the bank of Brahmaputra River in Guwahati city.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary informed the state Assembly  on behalf of the minister for Guwahati Development Department (GDD), in response to a starred question.

Sharing details on the expenses for developing and maintaining the ‘walking zone’ in Fancy Bazar area of the city, he said work of Rs 13.68 crore had been given to PWD (Roads), Guwahati city division, for construction of drains, a green park, laying of tiles on footpath, covering man-holes, etc.

Work worth Rs 1.35 crore for construction of stage, view point, sitting benches etc., has been sanction to PWD (Home) department, while PWD (Electrical division) is carrying out electrification work.

Over Rs 4 lakh has been paid to Assam Electricity Distribution Company till July, 2018, for installation of six temporary connections and bills for ornamental lights.

The minister further said the decision to convert the stretch of road into walking zone was taken to enable citizens to enjoy the beauty of  Brahmaputra unhindered along with their families on Sundays.

The walking zone in Fancy Bazar, along the banks of the Brahmaputra, was started in October last year by closing a stretch of about 3-km for vehicles from 1600 hours to 2000 hours every Sunday and arranging for the denizens to stroll around freely. People walk amid musical performances and enjoying food from eateries set up along the  route.