Silchar Municipal Corporation Cracks Down on Roadside Littering; Civic Bodies Join Forces to Tackle Urban Challenges

In a decisive push to restore civic discipline and improve urban hygiene, the Silchar Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Saturday launched a surprise cleanliness drive at Itkhola Bazar under Ward No. 3, catching several individuals red-handed while dumping household waste along the roadside.

The bustling market area had been grappling with indiscriminate garbage disposal for weeks, despite repeated warnings from the civic body. Acting on complaints of ongoing violations, a team of SMC officials carried out the inspection early in the morning, serving notices to the offenders and issuing stern warnings that repeat violations would invite fines of Rs. 2,000 under the Swachh Bharat Mission guidelines.

“This is about more than just cleanliness,” said one official. “It’s about respecting the city and the people who live in it. Public spaces are not private dustbins. If persuasion fails, we will not hesitate to impose penalties.”

Officials at the site also urged residents to use the door-to-door collection service and designated bins instead of dumping waste in public areas. The surprise action drew mixed reactions—some residents welcomed the move, while others quietly withdrew from the scene. Shopkeepers and local vendors pledged their support for the Corporation’s cleanliness mission, promising to discourage littering by customers and neighbours alike.

The drive ended with a strong public message, “Public spaces are for all, not for garbage. Act responsibly.” The slogan echoed through the market, leaving a lasting impression on passers-by about the need for shared responsibility in keeping Silchar clean and healthy.

In a related development, the same day also saw an inter-departmental meeting convened under the chairmanship of Cachar Deputy Commissioner Mridul Yadav, IAS, to address broader urban challenges in the Silchar Municipal Corporation area. The meeting, held at the new conference hall of the DC’s office, was attended by SMC Commissioner Srishti Singh, IAS, along with officials from multiple departments.

Key issues discussed included traffic management, immediate desilting of drains to prevent waterlogging during the monsoon, and timely completion of urban infrastructure projects. Emphasising the urgency of drainage and sewage solutions, Singh called for systematic desilting and stricter monitoring and accountability mechanisms.

The meeting concluded with a resolution for enhanced coordination between departments and prompt, sustainable action to ensure effective civic service delivery.

Both initiatives reflect a growing commitment from the administration and municipal authorities to create a cleaner, more resilient Silchar. As officials warned on Saturday, cleanliness is not just a campaign—it is a civic duty.

[From press release issued by the Regional office of Information & Public Relations, Barak Valley Zone, Silchar, Assam.]