Silchar: In a major boost to urban sanitation and civic pride in Barak Valley, Silchar has secured the coveted Open Defecation Free Plus (ODF+) certification along with a 1-star Garbage-Free City (GFC) rating under the Swachh Survekshan 2024, India’s annual urban cleanliness survey conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

The recognition marks a significant leap in Silchar’s journey toward becoming a cleaner and more sustainable urban hub. Ranked 470 nationally among urban local bodies, Silchar is now among only four cities in Assam to achieve the GFC 1-star rating, showcasing the steady improvement in its sanitation standards and solid waste management practices.

The achievement was formally acknowledged at a state-level felicitation ceremony, where Assam’s Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah presented the official state mascot and a letter of appreciation to SMC Commissioner Sristi Singh. The event symbolised Silchar Municipal Corporation’s (SMC) growing stature as a proactive and performance-driven civic body.

Silchar’s recent transition from a municipal board to a municipal corporation has been matched by visible on-ground changes—ranging from enhanced public hygiene infrastructure to more efficient waste disposal mechanisms. The independent third-party assessment commissioned by MoHUA played a crucial role in validating Silchar’s eligibility for the ODF+ tag and its position in the national GFC leaderboard.

Expressing pride in the accomplishment, SMC Commissioner Sristi Singh said, “It is a matter of pride and a testament to the consistent work put in by the SMC team that we have been given a 1-star GFC rating in the Swachh Survekshan. Each one of us should take this as motivation to stride towards making our city cleaner, greener, and more accessible to our citizenry.”

The Swachh Survekshan survey evaluates urban bodies based on various parameters, including citizen feedback, open defecation status, fecal sludge management, and overall cleanliness indicators. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), cities voluntarily apply for ODF certifications—ODF, ODF+, or ODF++—based on rigorous assessment protocols.

Silchar’s success story is the result of sustained cleanliness drives, upgradation of public toilets, improved waste segregation practices, and growing public participation. With the latest recognition, SMC is now setting its sights on earning higher GFC star ratings in future editions of the survey, aiming to further transform Silchar into a model city in Assam.