Silchar's Vision for Enhanced Civic Governance by 2026
New Initiatives for Civic Improvement in Silchar
Silchar, Jan 17: The city of Silchar is set to embark on a transformative journey in civic governance by 2026, featuring the implementation of a comprehensive CCTV surveillance system and plans for a compost-based biogas (CBG) facility to address its escalating waste management issues.
In a recent discussion, Srishti Singh, IAS, the Commissioner of the Silchar Municipal Corporation (SMC), emphasized that these initiatives are designed to promote accountability, sustainability, and much-needed order within the municipal framework.
Singh stated, “CCTV cameras will be strategically placed at 77 locations throughout Silchar to combat illegal dumping, traffic infractions, and encroachments that hinder the city’s thoroughfares.”
She further mentioned that continuous monitoring has been a long-standing request from the community, which will aid in identifying habitual offenders and enhancing enforcement measures.
The Commissioner highlighted that surveillance is crucial for improving solid waste management, especially in busy commercial areas where improper waste disposal is prevalent.
Currently, Silchar produces approximately 100 tonnes of waste each day, exerting significant strain on the existing infrastructure. Singh noted that efforts to enhance door-to-door waste collection have been intensified, dumping sites have been optimized, and nearly half of the legacy waste has been removed from the trenching grounds over time.
In terms of long-term sustainability, she revealed that a compost-based biogas (CBG) plant, proposed by Oil India, is under serious consideration.
“Once operational, this facility will greatly diminish reliance on landfills by converting organic waste into renewable energy,” she explained, adding that land acquisition is currently in progress. However, she warned that it could take up to two years for the entire waste processing system, including Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), to be fully operational.
Simultaneously, efforts are underway to enhance MRFs and improve the management of compressed garbage to facilitate better segregation and recycling. Commercial waste collection has been initiated, and penalties have been enforced on offenders, although municipal taxes and user fees remain unchanged due to financial limitations and public sensitivity.
Singh emphasized that technology alone cannot guarantee cleanliness, highlighting the importance of community involvement and a shift in behavior. “While CCTV surveillance and waste processing facilities are essential tools for promoting civic responsibility, their effectiveness hinges on active citizen participation,” she stated.
In addition to sanitation and surveillance, beautification projects at Arun Chanda Park and Gandhi Bag Park are planned, alongside the introduction of mechanized road cleaning, nighttime cleaning operations, and incineration facilities to mitigate dust pollution.
Collectively, these initiatives are part of a comprehensive civic strategy for 2026 aimed at enhancing urban cleanliness, order, and sustainability in Silchar.