Four Assam villages have been declared child marriage-free. “Assam has taken a firm stance against child marriage. We are putting the last nail in the coffin of this social evil across the state,” Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on X. Official sources said the four villages – Rukni Part IV, Bhairabpur Part I, Rosekandy Grant I, and Rosekandy Grant II – made a lot of efforts to protect girl children since the state launched a drive against the social malaise. The drive against child marriage was launched in February 2023 when 3,425 people were arrested. In the second phase in October that year, 913 people were arrested.
Guwahati Zoo to get facelift at Rs 350 crore
The Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden, known as Guwahati Zoo, will get a facelift. The state government will undertake a Rs 350 crore project and add various facilities for animals and visitors. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone for the project on January 1. Sarma said after he taking over as the CM, he visited the zoo one day and felt it did not get the kind of love it expected from the government. He was hopeful that the Rs 350 crore project would help the zoo get the required facilities. Established in 1957, the Guwahati Zoo is located in the heart of the city.
CM Sarma flags off 56 new electric buses
The Assam government on January 1 rolled out 56 electric buses. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “I flagged off 56 new electric buses adding to our existing fleet of 200 in Guwahati and taking the total number to 256. These buses ensure public convenience and environmental protection.” He added that for a greener and sustainable Assam, the government decided to replace diesel buses in Guwahati’s public transport system with electric alternatives in a phase-wise manner. “Under PM e-Bus Sewa, 100 more buses will be added by 2026. The diesel buses will be phased out,” he said.
Prasanta Mazumdar
Our correspondent in Guwahati
prasantamazumdar@newindianexpress.com