Assam CM Announces Complete Transition from Diesel Buses in Guwahati Within a Year
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Guwahati, Jan 2 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Wednesday that the state administration will completely phase out diesel buses from Guwahati within a year, aiming to establish a green corridor zone in the city.
The Chief Minister stated, "The government has introduced 56 new electric buses to the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC), bringing the total number of electric buses to 356. Additionally, under the PM e-Bus Sewa initiative, 100 more electric buses will soon be on the streets of Guwahati."
Sarma further emphasized that by 2026, all diesel buses will be removed from Guwahati, thus making it a green corridor zone. However, the diesel buses will continue to operate on more profitable routes, including Guwahati-Nagaon and Guwahati-Nalbari.
On Wednesday, CM Sarma also laid the groundwork for a project aimed at modernizing the Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden, with a financial commitment of Rs 362.04 crore.
This initiative will enhance various facilities for both animals and visitors, transforming the Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden into a modern, state-of-the-art center.
During the event, CM Sarma mentioned that established in 1957, the Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden is the only zoological and botanical facility in the entire Northeast, serving as a key conservation center for the region’s rich biodiversity.
Spanning a vast area, the Assam State Zoo is a hub where numerous unique species of flora and fauna coexist. Reflecting on his childhood experiences at the Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden, he expressed his determination to modernize the zoo since taking office as Chief Minister. Consequently, he approved an allocation of Rs 362.04 crore for this modernization project.
The Chief Minister also revealed that there are plans to establish two additional zoos in Dibrugarh and Silchar, each to be constructed in an open zoo model, with funds of Rs 259 crore and Rs 214 crore allocated for the respective zoos.
