HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, July 24: In a decisive step towards restoring civic order and improving hygiene in Silchar’s bustling market areas, the Silchar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has launched a comprehensive reform initiative aimed at tackling long-standing issues of waste disposal, traffic congestion, and unregulated vending.
The move, announced in an official statement, marks a renewed commitment under the leadership of SMC Commissioner Srishti Singh, IAS, to transform the city’s markets into cleaner and more accessible spaces.
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A high-level meeting convened at the SMC office conference hall on Thursday brought together representatives of the Market Association, municipal officials, and other key stakeholders.
The deliberations, chaired by Commissioner Singh, revolved around a coordinated action plan to address the various civic problems plaguing commercial zones in the town.
“Our markets are not just centres of commerce—they are the living, breathing heart of Silchar’s economy and culture,” Commissioner Singh said in her opening remarks, “It is our collective duty to ensure they remain clean, accessible, and vibrant. Today, we are not here to point fingers but to take ownership—vendors, shopkeepers, administrators, and citizens—so that we can all take pride in our marketplaces.”
Highlighting the significance of shared responsibility, the Commissioner urged all present to treat the issues of garbage dumping, illegal parking, and encroachments not as isolated concerns but as symptoms of a wider need for behavioural change.
She emphasised that civic responsibility must become a part of daily life and not be seen as a one-off clean-up exercise.
Among the key concerns discussed were the growing problem of open waste dumping near market premises, which has led to deteriorating hygiene conditions and health risks.
Frequent parking chaos, particularly during peak hours, was flagged as another persistent issue, causing traffic congestion and hindering pedestrian movement.
The uncontrolled spread of street vendors and lack of designated vending zones were also identified as areas needing immediate intervention.
To address these concerns, Commissioner Singh announced a series of measures, including regular joint inspections by SMC officials and market representatives, the formation of a dedicated cleanliness task force, and the identification and marking of formal vending and parking areas.
She assured the gathering that the SMC would provide full administrative backing for the proposed reforms and urged the Market Association to ensure cooperation at the ground level.
“This meeting is only the first step,” she said. “We will continue to hold regular reviews and follow-ups. Every action item discussed today will be monitored, and timely execution will be our priority.”
Participants welcomed the initiative and expressed appreciation for the inclusive and transparent manner in which the meeting was conducted.
There was unanimous agreement on the need for swift action and better coordination among stakeholders.
Clear timelines were assigned to departments concerned with waste management, urban planning, and traffic regulation.
Executive Officer of SMC, Nabuttam Sharma, AUAS, was also present and echoed the Commissioner’s call for collaborative and sustained efforts to improve market conditions.
He underlined the need for discipline not just in policy implementation but also in community behaviour.
The reform agenda, as outlined during the meeting, is expected to set the stage for long-term transformation in the city’s civic infrastructure and service delivery mechanisms.
The initiative, according to the official statement, is part of a broader vision for sustainable urban development and participatory governance.
Under Commissioner Srishti Singh’s stewardship, the SMC has committed to a model of governance rooted in transparency, accountability, and proactive engagement with the public.
As Silchar embarks on this reform journey, the coming months will be crucial in determining the success of these collective efforts to reshape the city’s market landscape into one that reflects civic pride and functional efficiency.
