The Assam Real Estate and Infrastructure Developers’ Association (AREIDA) has expressed strong support for the state government’s initiative to establish the Guwahati Satellite Cities Development Authority (GSCDA). This authority is tasked with planning, financing, and developing satellite cities in and around Guwahati.
Decongesting Guwahati
AREIDA president PK Sharma stated on Monday that constructing a planned satellite city near the Guwahati airport is crucial for reducing congestion in the main city. He emphasized that such a development is necessary to decongest the urban core and accommodate future population growth. “With the population of the Guwahati Metropolitan Area projected to reach 40 lakh within the Master Plan period, scientific and sustainable urban development has become imperative,” he remarked.
Urbanisation and Economic Growth
Sharma highlighted that urbanisation will play a defining role in India’s economic growth, with projections indicating that nearly 75% of the country’s GDP will be generated from urban areas by 2030. In this context, he noted that planned satellite cities, supported by robust core and support infrastructure, are essential to ensure orderly growth, improved quality of life, and enhanced economic opportunities.
Land Pooling Initiatives
He pointed out that the Assam Town Planning Scheme (TPS) and Land Pooling Schemes, already notified by the Government of Assam, are landmark initiatives aimed at replacing forceful land acquisition with a more equitable system of land pooling and reconstitution. Similar models have been implemented successfully in several other states, and the association believes Assam can greatly benefit from adopting and adapting these proven models.
Stakeholder Involvement
Sharma urged the authorities to involve stakeholders such as AREIDA at the planning stage itself. “The real estate and infrastructure sector will ultimately be responsible for executing these projects on the ground. Therefore, meaningful consultation with industry stakeholders during the planning process is essential for the success of such ambitious initiatives,” he said.
