Locals transform Dighalipukhuri in weekly cleanup drive

Guwahati: A protest against tree felling has evolved into a weekly mission to reclaim and restore the city's public spaces. After preventing the axing of century-old trees for the proposed Noonmati to Dighalipukhuri flyover last Nov, a group of concerned citizens decided their efforts for a cleaner and greener city should continue. This sparked the birth of the Dighalipukhuri cleanup initiative, a voluntary effort on every Sunday morning.

Equipped with cleaning tools, locals and college students from institutions such as Cotton University and Handique Girls College have united to rid the historic pond of accumulated waste. What began as a small effort has now become a dedicated routine, with nearly 30 volunteers turning up weekly to clear plastic waste, bottles, and other debris polluting the area.

Fatima Gulbadan, a Dighalipukhuri resident and active participant in the cleanliness drive, said, "The movement started with saving age-old trees, but we realized the city needed more. If people can come together to protect green spaces, why not keep them clean too?"

With approval from the state tourism department, residents have secured permissions to conduct the cleanup drive every weekend.

Urmi Borgohain, another active member, shared the challenges they face, including finding waste such as sanitary napkins, burnt plastic, and bottles in and around the pond. However, the volunteers remain committed, removing around 500kg of waste from the park over the last few months.

The initiative extends beyond cleaning, aiming to raise awareness. "We have implemented waste segregation, placed bamboo bins, and ensured timely collection by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC)," Borgohain said. The volunteers also launched educational efforts, such as handmade posters and door-to-door campaigns, to promote cleanliness and responsible waste management.

Despite operating without funding, the cleanup drive has become a symbol of collective responsibility, reminding citizens that building a cleaner and greener city starts with its people.