The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BONGAIGAON, MAY 16, 2025
In a major boost to local infrastructure and community welfare, NTPC Bongaigaon inaugurated the newly renovated Salakati Market Shed on May 16. The event was attended by Joyanta Basumatary, Member of Parliament (Kokrajhar), and Lawrence Islary, MLA (East Kokrajhar), along with Arnab Maitra, Head of Project, NTPC Bongaigaon; Kabita Deka, Additional District Commissioner, Kokrajhar; and senior NTPC officials including Paresh Mathur, AGM (TS), Onkar Nath, AGM (HR), and Sushil Kumar, AGM (CCD). Members of the Salakati Bazar Committee and local residents were also present at the ceremony.
The renovation, undertaken as part of NTPC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, was completed at a cost of ₹35.89 lakh. The project included the construction of an 8,000-litre RCC overhead water tank, along with cleaning and repair of 200 meters of surrounding drainage infrastructure. Refurbishment of the existing toilet blocks was carried out, including the installation of a 500-litre PVC overhead water tank. Structural upgrades were made to three market sheds, collectively covering 70 shops.
Additional improvements included the laying of PCC flooring in vendor areas and along approach pathways, and the installation of chequered tiles in the fish market zone and around the toilet block. Water supply points and piping were provided for fish market shops to improve sanitation and functionality. The electrification of the market area was also upgraded, with the installation of a 250-amp LT Panel Board, earthing, and new cabling for all 70 shops. Although the original plan encompassed four sheds covering 120 shops, three sheds were completed due to site constraints.
Addressing the gathering, MP Joyanta Basumatary praised NTPC Bongaigaon’s commitment to regional development, stating, “The renovated market shed is a testament to NTPC’s dedication to improving community infrastructure, directly benefiting local vendors and residents.”
MLA Lawrence Islary echoed these sentiments and highlighted the need for community involvement in maintaining public infrastructure. He urged local stakeholders to use and preserve the upgraded facilities responsibly to ensure long-term benefits.
Arnab Maitra, Head of Project, NTPC Bongaigaon, commented, “At NTPC, we believe in inclusive growth. This project not only enhances the physical infrastructure of the market but also reinforces our bond with the community we serve.”
In support of the Swachh Bharat Mission and as part of the Swachhta Pakhwada initiative, MP Basumatary also donated three dustbins to the Salakati Market Committee, encouraging clean and responsible waste management practices.
The Salakati Bazar Committee expressed heartfelt gratitude to NTPC Bongaigaon for addressing a long-standing community need. They emphasized the positive impact of the renovation on both hygiene standards and local economic activity.
The event concluded with all stakeholders taking a collective pledge to maintain cleanliness and ensure the sustainable use of the renovated facilities.
