In a move towards environmental sustainability, the state government has initiated advanced solid waste management projects in 48 municipalities. This effort, part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Urban) program, is designed to transform waste collection and management systems in both small and large cities.

During a press conference at Janata Bhawan, Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Irrigation, Ashok Singhal, highlighted the importance of the initiative. He urged executive officers to ensure that all municipalities become 100 percent garbage-free within the next year. Minister Singhal emphasized the need for the newly appointed executive officers under the Assam Urban Administrative Service to prioritize waste management in their respective municipalities.

The first phase of the project, which is sanctioned under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Urban) for Assam, involves the establishment of 48 solid waste management plants. Construction is currently underway in 18 cities, while the bidding process for the remaining 30 cities is at various stages. Municipalities where work has begun include Nalbari, Silapathar, Barpeta Road, Chapar, North Lakhimpur, Dhekiajuli, Kokrajhar, Barpathar, Sarupathar, Golaghat, Margherita, Dumduma, Kharupetia, Mangaldoi, North Guwahati, Tezpur, Bokakhat, and Silchar.

Progress has been notable in Silapathar, Barpeta Road, Chapar, North Lakhimpur, and Dhekiajuli, with over 50 percent of the work completed. The project in Nalbari municipality is approaching completion. The next phase of the initiative will expand to additional municipalities across the state.

Minister Singhal reaffirmed the government's dedication to cleanliness during a training program for executive officers at the Assam Administrative Officers' College in Khanapara. He stressed the crucial role of these officers in the success of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and other development projects.

Furthermore, Minister Singhal held a meeting with municipalities and deputy mayors at Janata Bhawan, emphasizing the need for effective implementation of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Urban) initiatives. The meeting, attended by top officials from the housing and urban affairs departments, underscored the collaborative effort necessary for achieving a cleaner and healthier state.