Silchar Steps Up Cleanliness Drive with Strong Collaborative Push

Silchar: The Silchar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has joined hands with the Urban Management Centre, Technical Support Unit (TSU) to the Government of Assam under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), to strengthen the city’s solid waste management (SWM) system. A detailed field assessment by the TSU team marked a milestone in Silchar’s ongoing journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.

The visiting experts from the Urban Management Centre conducted an extensive field study across the city, focusing on the entire SWM value chain. Their evaluation involved on-ground inspections of major urban sites, including prominent markets, the municipal transfer station, and selected wards. The team closely observed waste management operations and engaged directly with stakeholders to identify critical gaps and explore feasible, solution-oriented improvements.

During the visit, interactive sessions were held with door-to-door waste collection agencies and SMC officials. These discussions fostered a transparent and constructive dialogue on the present challenges and opportunities within the existing SWM framework. Operational inefficiencies were candidly addressed, and strategies to improve responsiveness and system effectiveness were actively deliberated.

Cachar Deputy Commissioner Shri Mridul Yadav, IAS, reviewed the team’s findings and praised the spirit of collaboration. “This assessment is an important step in our mission for a cleaner and healthier Silchar. It shows us where we’ve made progress and where we need to double our efforts. I commend the dedication of all involved, from the Corporation to waste workers and the expert team,” he stated. SMC Commissioner Smt. Srishti Singh, IAS, echoed similar sentiments. “We welcome this evaluation as an opportunity to strengthen our system. The feedback from the Urban Management Centre will help us deliver better services and set an example of people-centric urban cleanliness. Our goal is not just to meet standards, but to become a model for others,” she said.

The assessment team noted marked improvements in cleanliness and community involvement across various areas of the city. However, they also emphasized the need for continued innovation, improved resource utilization, and deeper citizen engagement to ensure long-term success. This collaborative approach reinforced the city's commitment to the broader objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban). With valuable insights now in hand, the SMC is preparing to incorporate the recommendations into its action plans. The Corporation reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders, from technical experts to residents, to make Silchar a cleaner, healthier, and more livable city.

This collaborative assessment has not only offered a fresh perspective on Silchar’s sanitation progress but also renewed the collective resolve to make the city a model for effective urban sanitation in Assam.