GREEN TECHNOLOGIES IN , the land of red rivers and blue hills is the gateway to North East . In the western part of Assam, on the banks of the ROAD CONSTRUCTION mighty Brahmaputra lies the scenic Aspirational प्रकृति रक्षति रतक्षिा District of - a land of far flung places comprising of both plains and undulating terrain. -GOALPARA, ASSAM With a population of 10,08,183 (2011 census) comprising of mainly indigenous tribes such as Rabhas, Garos and Bodos and groups like Hajongs, Nath Yogis, Adivasis etc. and minorities along the riverine char areas Sri Surya Pahar, Hulukanda Pahar, Paglarteg Shiv Mandir, Urpad Beel are some of the major Tourist attractions in the district. However the rich cultural heritage and vivid flora and fauna have not translated to socio economic development for the district. The population of the district is mostly financially and educationally backward.

Dismal rural connectivity had been a major cause of concern for the district administration. A solution to this problem was provided through Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) in which we had been awarded 565 km of roads under the scheme for the year 2017-18. But environmental factors lead to a very slow progress of the works. In the last 18 years we had been able to complete 534 kms which translates to a yearly completion rate of about 29.67 Rampant km/year and rural connectivity of 49%. floods

CHALLENGES FACED

 Incessant floods throughout the year left a very small window for the work to be completed.  The problems intensified when the stone quarries in the district were closed due to environmental concerns thereby leading to severe shortage of construction materials.  When RCC Bridge at Krishnai was severely damaged during March, 2018 it proved to be the final nail in the coffin as it choked off Closed Barbhita resource delivery from North bank of river Brahmaputra, , Stone Quarry Dudhnoi and Garo Hills ().  Lack of industries in the district also meant that some of the materials (like CC blocks for C.C. Block Technology) had to be sourced from 150 kms outside the district.  Plastic pollution was also a cause of concern as it was the root cause of flash floods in the area due to clogged drains. Many cases of animals choking due to consumption of plastic were also reported.  Tremendous pressure on Forest Resources due to increasing population and deforestation due to developmental works etc. lead to a need of reducing the biotic pressure on the environment.  These challenges forced the stakeholders to back out of the works and the progress of works became sluggish. Reluctance to start new Distressed RCC works and completion of the on-going works spelled a bleak future for Bridge at Krishnai the district. Under the guidance of the Deputy Commissioner, Goalpara, Smt. Varnali Deka, IAS, it was then decided that avenues other than conventional methods of road construction could be explored in order to overcome the above mentioned problems. After consultation with National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA), State Rural Road Development Agency (SRRDA) and State Technical Agency (STA) which comprises of premier technical institutions of the state (IIT, Guwahati and Assam Engineering College) it was then decided that green technologies could be used which was then incorporated under the “Green Goalpara, Clean Goalpara” programme of the district administration. Keeping in mind, the progress of works in the previous years, it was decided that the Aspirational District Target would be 80 kms of roads to be constructed using green technologies, which was more than double the completion rate of previous years.

GREEN TECHNOLOGIES USED IN GOALPARA

Waste Plastic Technology: We have earned the distinction of being the first district in the state of Assam to construct road using Waste Plastic Technology under PMGSY scheme. Cell Filled Concrete /Panel Concrete Technology: 76.67 km of roads have been constructed under PMGSY 1.25 km of roads have been constructed using this technology and Further 18.4 km of roads are being done under State sponsored schemes. under PMGSY using this technology and Further 65 km of roads are being done under State sponsored schemes. Geo-Bags: A total of 1 km of protection works using Geo Bags are being done under Assam State Road Project (ASRP).

Geo-grid Technology:  Cold Mix Technology: 30.54 km of roads have been constructed under 19.40 km of roads have PMGSY using this technology. been constructed under  Cement Concrete Block Technology: 107.479 km of roads have been PMGSY using this constructed under PMGSY using this technology and Further 52.672 km of technology. roads are being done under State sponsored schemes. AWARENESS MEETINGS Initially we had faced a lot of public resistance in implementing these new technologies in the field. The district administration then organized extensive Public Awareness Meetings in and around the district from time to time to make the general people aware of the benefits of using new technologies in roads. There has been a change in perception of the people and they have accepted the works with open arms.

PLANTATION DRIVE A 19-Day Plantation Drive was organised under the “Green Goalpara, Clean Goalpara” initiative in which around 12.6 lakh saplings were planted in and around the district which increased the forest cover from 19.9% to 25%. Of these around 3000 saplings were planted INFRASTRUCTURE along various rural roads of the district. The saplings are being continuously monitored and replenished by the administration with the help of feedback from the public. SNAPSHOT In order to overcome the problem of supervision due to the perilous terrain Goalpara, District Administration came up with the idea of Infrastructure Snapshot, an Android based one-of-its-kind convergence application developed as a cross platform for greviance redressal as well as serve as a tool for monitoring of Public institutions and schemes. The feedback received from the public has helped us in monitoring the quality and progress of the roads constructed in the district. Swift and speedy resolution of the disputes and constant vigil of the works have been made possible by the use of the application. IMPACTS AND BENEFITS  Access to all weather roads: We have been able to provide 453 numbers of habitations against targeted 392 numbers (cumulative) with access to all weather roads. Rural connectivity has increased to from 49% to about 73.94% in this year.

 Successful achievement of target: As against the Aspirational District Target of 80 kms, the District could successfully surpass it and complete 235.339 (km) of Roads using Green Technology under PMGSY.  A Sustainable, environment friendly solution to lack of resources: We have been able to conserve about 1,00,000 cubic metres of stone materials till date after using these technologies thereby addressing the issues of lack of raw material in a sustainable and environment friendly manner and in a highly cost-effective manner.  Use of a targeted mix of technology best suited to site.  Industrial Growth: Use of Green Technologies has led to a spurt in Small and Medium Enterprises locally manufacturing Cement Concrete Blocks. Also a proposal to set up a waste disposal plant has been submitted to the administration for preparing the raw materials of waste plastic technology locally.  Employment Generation: With growth of Industries, more youth are being employed or have become industry owners.  Enhancement in Skilling: The local masons working on these projects have become skilled in green technologies, resulting in an overall value addition to their skill profile leading to better employability and income generation. They are now working in other districts of the state where these technologies are being used for the first time.  Economic Benefits for the state – Reduction in Construction and Maintenance Costs.  More roads to be constructed using green technologies: As a reward for successful implementation of green technologies, the Government of Assam has granted another 134.612 km roads under State Sponsored Schemes.  Promotion of Green Technology Practices across the State: We have emerged as pioneers in the field, which in turn has prompted other districts in the state to follow our lead. CONCLUSION These green technologies have been a boon for the district as it has brought about all round socio-economic development. Access to all weather roads has resulted in decrease of the mortality rate, increase of the rate of enrollment in schools and easy access of market hubs for the farmers of the district. Industrialization has involved the youth in shaping the future of the district. Nature needs to be protected and we are doing our part in saving the environment by doing developmental works to ensure a better and greener future for the generations to come and make the dream of a “Clean Goalpara, Green Goalpara” a reality.