Citizens' Sunday Mission: Reviving Guwahati's Historic Park
On the first Sunday of the new year, while many in Guwahati opted for leisurely picnics, a dedicated group chose a different path. They gathered at the historic Dighalipukhuri Park with a common goal: to restore its cleanliness and beauty. What started as a modest effort in late 2024 has blossomed into a full-fledged community-driven movement, inspiring morning walkers and regular visitors to join the cause.
A Growing Army of Volunteers
Every week, rain or shine, approximately 50 volunteers converge at the park. Their collective effort has yielded a significant result: the removal of more than 1,700 kilograms of garbage from the premises. The volunteers come from all walks of life—students, professionals, retirees, and even families—assembling as early as 7:30 AM to begin their work.
"It is a different kind of fun. It is adding up to something meaningful for society. While picnics are fun, this sort of gathering serves a social purpose," shared Khanin Baruah, an active participant in the cleanup drive.
Combating Neglect and Building Awareness
The park had suffered from years of neglect, transforming into an unofficial dumping ground littered with plastic bottles, food wrappers, and other waste. Milin Dutta, another key member of the initiative, highlighted ongoing challenges. "Even now, during renovation, problems persist as labourers carelessly dispose of cement bags and spit gutka on plants. Earlier, there was no proper waste management, as employees used to burn the garbage," Dutta explained.
The volunteers' work goes beyond just picking up trash. They actively promote waste segregation, conducting interactive sessions for children. These sessions include live demonstrations and practical lessons on separating biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, aiming to instil environmental consciousness in the younger generation.
"It is important for us to maintain cleanliness because it is the citizens who use the park," Dutta emphasised, underlining the core philosophy of the movement.
Beyond Cleanup: A Vision for Greenery
The group's ambitions extend to preserving the park's green cover. They have initiated a tree census to meticulously track the existing tree population and identify potential areas for new plantings. By maintaining detailed records, they aim to safeguard the park's biodiversity and encourage citizens to take ownership of protecting their environment.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the residents have formally appealed to the Guwahati Municipal Corporation, the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority, and the tourism department for support. They stress that collaboration with these authorities is crucial for providing proper infrastructure, efficient waste management facilities, and consistent maintenance. This partnership, they believe, is key to ensuring Dighalipukhuri Park remains a clean, green, and accessible oasis for all of Guwahati.
