STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: In his interaction with editors and senior journalists here today, Housing and Urban Affairs and Public Health Engineering Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah briefed the key priorities aimed at fostering sustainable development across Assam, particularly in urban affairs and public health.
The session highlighted DoHUA’s (Department of Housing and Urban Affairs) ambitious ‘Mission Flood-Free’ initiative, designed to address artificial flooding in Assam, with a focus on Guwahati. Proposed solutions included the development of a robust drainage system in flood-prone areas, collaborative efforts to manage cross-border water inflow, and enhanced community engagement to make Guwahati cleaner and more livable.
The minister emphasized the potential for incentivizing public contributions to cleanliness and urban development and discussed involving school students in the Swachhata Abhiyan, with consultations planned with the Education Department. Other measures discussed included innovative traffic management strategies, addressing footpath encroachments, enhancing waste disposal systems, introducing groundwater retention in new constructions, and cracking down on illegal water supply operations.
On the PHED front, the session celebrated significant progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), which aims to provide safe drinking water to every household. The state has achieved an impressive milestone, with tap water connections reaching over 82% of households, a substantial rise from just 1.67% in 2019. The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to rigorous monitoring of JJM projects and acknowledged the media’s vital role in identifying areas for improvement.
The event underscored the importance of media in bridging the communication gap between the government and the public. Strategies such as leveraging digital platforms and fostering direct engagement were discussed to strengthen this connection. Journalists provided valuable feedback to refine policies and drive impactful change.
Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah expressed gratitude to the media for their active participation and insights, which he described as crucial for shaping policies aligned with public needs.
The session concluded with a commitment to collaboration and innovation, striving for a progressive and inclusive future for Assam.
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