A massive cleanliness and beautification drive is sweeping across Dibrugarh, driven by an ambitious vision to transform the city into one of the cleanest, most eye-catching, and aesthetically beautiful urban centres in the country. With Dibrugarh officially projected as the second capital of Assam, after Guwahati, this initiative holds special relevance, aiming to emulate the gold standard set by Indore, which has maintained its position as India’s cleanest city for eight consecutive years.
The movement, characterised by enthusiastic public participation, has seen a diverse coalition of citizens—including the Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation (DMC), the Shrishti NGO team, Dibrugarh University interns, students, elderly citizens, and local residents—actively cleaning lanes and streets.
Under the proactive leadership of Dibrugarh Mayor Dr Saikat Patra and DMC Commissioner Jay Vikas, the core of the effort is the “Swachh Gali” (clean neighbourhood) drive, which is being implemented across various wards. The drive is not just focused on sweeping, but on creative ownership.
Wards 11 and 13, specifically the Mastarpara and Hare Krishna Path areas, have become vibrant examples of this renaissance. Residents, guided by the Shrishti team, NGO members, and local ward councillors, have transformed dull lane walls into beautiful art spaces. The murals feature vibrant environmental and cleanliness messages, including a striking artwork dedicated to legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg. In Ward 11, Swachhata-themed tree paintings were created to spread awareness on cleanliness and green living.
“Our goal is ambitious: to transform Dibrugarh into a city of extraordinary cleanliness and beauty, setting a new national benchmark just like Indore,” said Mayor Dr Saikat Patra. “This drive, rooted in community participation, is a testament to our commitment to its future role as Assam’s potential second capital.”
The enthusiasm is contagious. Residents of Ward-13 (Hare Krishna Path) and Ward-14 (Zigzag Road) voluntarily dedicated their weekend to a spontaneous Swachh Gali drive, actively cleaning and maintaining their neighbourhoods together.
Furthermore, a significant cleanliness drive coupled with a plog run was conducted along the busy Jyotinagar, Dr. Siba Baruah Path stretch, notorious for litter dumping by shopkeepers. The initiative saw robust participation from residents and Self Help Group (SHG) members from Wards 1, 19, 20, and 21, successfully reclaiming the street.
DMC Commissioner Jay Vikas highlighted the mechanism of community building. “The enthusiasm from residents, from the elderly to the students, is the real engine of this movement,” he stated. “The ‘Swachh Gali’ initiative, particularly the artistic transformation of our walls, proves that beautification and hygiene go hand-in-hand in building civic ownership.”
The drive also prioritises behavioural change through education. A “Swachh Varta” awareness session was conducted at Nandeshwar Chakraborty High School, where the Shrishti team interacted with students on proper waste disposal. Students were thoroughly briefed on the critical importance of waste segregation into dry and wet categories for better waste management at both household and school levels, participating actively in the discussion.
One local resident of Ward 13, Sanchita Das, shared her optimism: “Seeing our dull lane walls covered in beautiful murals and cleanliness messages is truly inspiring. It feels like a genuine community renaissance that will change how the city is perceived.”
