Silchar’s Swacchata Reality: Where Did the Money Go? Ask Local Petitioners — SMB Commissioner Refuses to Comment on Weekends

Two separate cases have been filed before the Eastern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) alleging serious lapses in solid waste management in Silchar. The petitioners have raised concerns about environmental degradation, public health hazards, and the non-utilisation of government funds meant for improving waste disposal in the town.

The first case was filed by Nityendu Shekhar Bhattacharjee, a resident of Bilpar, Silchar and the second by Nagarik Swartharaksha Sangram Parisad, an unregistered but active civic group in Silchar, represented by General Secretary Haridas Dutta. Both cases were filed through Advocate Madhumita Bhattacharjee (Supreme Court) and Advocate Moumita Bhattacharjee (District Court, Silchar), on March 14, 2024 and April 27, 2024, respectively.

The petitioners claim that despite repeated complaints and follow-ups, the Silchar Municipal Board (SMB) has failed to enforce the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. They argue that the poor handling of waste is damaging the environment and endangering public health.

What Are the Violations?

1. Improper Waste Disposal: Silchar generates nearly 100 tonnes of waste every day, but only 60 tonnes are taken to the Meherpur dumping ground. The remaining 40 tonnes are dumped in open spaces, drains, or vacant plots, leading to land and water pollution.
2. Door-to-Door Collection: A survey conducted by the petitioners in Ward No. 19 (Chengcoorie Road) between January 23 and 27, 2025, found that:
   – Only 34.76% (73 out of 210 houses) received red and green bins, for recyclable and non-recyclable waste.
   – Only 35.71% (75 houses) reported that garbage was collected three times a week.
   – Around 39.52% (83 houses) admitted to dumping garbage in drains or open spaces.
3. Bilpar Area Worst Affected: Drains in Bilpar remain uncovered and clogged, leading to regular flooding during rains. Petitioners claim that the condition has improved slightly after the case was filed, but drainage issues still persist, violating NGT norms.
4. No Accountability in Fund Usage: The petitioners claimed that in the financial year 2022-23, the State of Assam received Rs 1,043.51 crore under the Swachh Bharat Mission. Out of this, Rs 3.39 crore was allocated to Silchar, with another Rs 4.61 crore made available upon proper utilisation. They further allege that:
   – There is no public record of how the funds were spent.
   – No independent audit has been conducted.
   – No visible improvements have been made in waste infrastructure.

What Did the Tribunal Say?

During the hearing held on July 14, 2025, the NGT Bench, comprising Justice B. Amit Sthalekar and Dr Arun Kumar Verma, expressed displeasure over the failure of the Silchar Municipal Board to submit a counter-affidavit as earlier directed on April 8, 2025.

The Tribunal warned that if this continued, it would consider invoking Section 26 of the NGT Act, 2010, which allows for punishment up to 3 years of imprisonment or a fine of up to Rs 10 crore, or both. An additional daily fine of Rs 25,000 can also be imposed for each day of non-compliance.

The Tribunal gave the Municipal Board one final chance to submit its reply within two weeks, before the next hearing scheduled on 8 August 2025.

Barak Bulletin contacted Silchar Municipality Corporation Commissioner, IAS Shristi Singh, for a statement regarding the matter. However, she informed us that she is currently unavailable over the weekend and requested that we get in touch again after a few days.

What unfolds next in response to the petitions remains uncertain. Whether the Silchar Municipal Corporation complies with the Tribunal’s directive and submits the long-pending counter-affidavit is yet to be seen. With the next hearing scheduled for August 8, 2025, all eyes are now on the proceedings, where the Tribunal’s stance—and the Corporation’s accountability—may finally come into clearer focus.

Interestingly, the recent Swachh Survekshan Report Card showed Silchar faring better than other towns in the Barak Valley in cleanliness rankings. However, residents and activists argue that there is still a long way to go.

In recent days, after the upgradation, the Municipal Corporation has cleared several garbage piles and removed illegal encroachments from footpaths, actions that have been welcomed by the public. These small but positive steps have given hope that with stronger accountability and cooperation, Silchar can move towards a cleaner and greener future.