Silchar: In a focused effort to improve urban living conditions, Kavitha Padmanabhan, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Assam, Department of Housing and Urban Affairs, visited Silchar on Tuesday for a detailed review of civic infrastructure, sanitation systems, and urban service delivery mechanisms.

The visit aimed to evaluate the ground realities of key municipal services and identify actionable areas for enhancement under the Silchar Municipal Corporation (SMC).

Accompanied by SMC Commissioner Srishti Singh, IAS, Executive Officer Nabuttam Sharma, AUAS, officials of the Urban Local Body (ULB), and representatives from Shristi Waste Management, Padmanabhan inspected several vital locations including market areas, main roads, dumping sites, and the town’s peripheral zones. The team interacted with field staff and frontline workers to understand the operational hurdles in solid waste management and civic upkeep.

A key concern addressed during the visit was the recurring issue of waterlogging in Silchar during the monsoon season. The Commissioner & Secretary visited critical flood-prone sites such as Rangirkhal, Longai Khal, and Sonai Road to assess the drainage infrastructure and explore effective mitigation strategies.

Later in the day, a high-level review meeting was held with officials from the SMC and other relevant stakeholders. The discussion focused on plugging service gaps in waste disposal, drainage maintenance, and civic management. The meeting emphasized the need for timely interventions, collaborative efforts, and institutional accountability to improve the quality of urban services for residents.

Addressing the gathering, Kavitha Padmanabhan reiterated the government’s commitment to building clean, livable, and sustainable urban centres in Assam. She highlighted the significance of integrated planning, active community engagement, and efficient execution in transforming urban environments to meet the expectations of the people.

The visit concluded with the Commissioner & Secretary issuing clear directives to the municipal authorities for speedy and effective implementation of improvement measures. The Department of Housing and Urban Affairs reaffirmed its resolve to make Silchar a model for urban governance and citizen-focused development.

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