The issues of cleanliness and sanitation have been addressed by the Assam state government's initiative of the Swachh Bharat Mission has been widely acclaimed.

North Lakhimpur Municipal Board has become a role model by becoming the first town in Assam to successfully treat 70,000 Metric Ton of legacy waste. This has not only increased the green belt area in the heart of the town by 16 bighas, but also a major health hazard has been averted. 

Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma lauded the achievement of the North Lakhimpur Municipal Board by tweeting, "Waste management is critical to a sustainable environment."  

He further added, "Giving a huge fillip to #SwachhBharatMission, North Lakhimpur has become the first town in Assam to successfully treat 70,000 MT of legacy waste, thus clearing 16 bigha area in the middle of the town," the tweet read.

Manab Deka, BJP MLA from Lakhimpur said in an interview, "For several garbage used to be dumped at a designated place in the heart of the town."

Further in 2022, in the absence of the elected municipal body, the MLA along with the deputy commissioner of the district decided to start with the legacy waste management plant with municipal funds which were around 70,000 MT.

"Being a politician it's a risky business to invest money in garbage waste because people do criticise the funding but we took it as a challenge and with a goal to keep our town clean," Deka added.

Speaking on the treatment of the legacy waste, the MLA said that from the waste products, three components were derived- the plastic waste was sent to Dalmia cement company in Meghalaya for which government didn't avail any monetary benefits, however, as per the National Green Tribunal's (India) agreement cement company must use it as fuel.

The second component which was derived- was organic waste which could be regarded as manure has been sold to farmers and locals at Rs 600 per tractor as per the municipal norms.

Thirdly the last component which was derived- has been basically used by people for earth filling which people also can buy at a reasonable price.

The MLA also asserted that the positive impact of the project is nothing but a massive 16 bigha of land has been now cleared off in the heart of the town near the Shiva temple area and will be now transformed into a playground and also be used for organising meetings and cultural events.

Speaking on the day-to-day which is produced from households ranging from 30-40 MT, a new solid waste management plant has been placed with new modern machinery wherein the state government is assisting the ambitious project.

Image source: India Today