Assam Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Jayanta Mallabaruah, released the Participatory City Action Plans of eight rapidly developing cities under the Doh Shaher Ek Rupayan initiative. The event took place at Janata Bhawan in Guwahati on Thursday and marked an important moment for Assam’s urban future. The Assam Urban Action Plans aim to transform growing towns into sustainable, well-governed and people-focused urban centres. Moreover, this announcement brings fresh energy to the state’s long-term strategy for urban transformation.
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Launched in 2024, the Doh Shaher Ek Rupayan programme seeks to strengthen urban governance and promote coordinated development across ten key cities. These cities include Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, North Lakhimpur, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Tezpur, Nagaon, Nalbari, Dhubri and Silchar. The Assam Urban Action Plans released this week cover eight of these cities, offering frameworks that focus on inclusive planning, efficient services and citizen participation. According to officials, the programme envisions these cities as future engines of economic growth.
A structured approach to urban transformation
The action plans focus on improving infrastructure, expanding essential services and strengthening institutional capacity. They also aim to close gaps in city planning through data-driven methods. Since each city has distinct needs and challenges, the Assam Urban Action Plans outline customised strategies for sustainable growth. This includes improving mobility, enhancing water supply, upgrading waste management systems and strengthening disaster resilience.
Additionally, the plans prioritise green spaces, pollution control and digital governance. These elements are essential for building cities that remain livable as populations increase. With this structured approach, the government aims to create urban spaces that support economic activity while maintaining environmental balance.
People at the centre of planning
One of the strongest features of the Doh Shaher Ek Rupayan programme is its emphasis on citizen-led planning. The action plans were prepared through a participatory process involving residents, civil society groups, experts and local organisations. This ensured that city priorities reflect real community needs. As a result, the Assam Urban Action Plans highlight improvements in public health, sanitation, mobility and social infrastructure that matter to people’s daily lives.
Community engagement has also created a sense of ownership. Residents who contributed to the planning process will continue to play a role in monitoring progress. Because of this collaborative approach, officials believe the implementation phase will be more effective and transparent.
The action plans also aim to improve service delivery by addressing gaps in current systems. Many cities face challenges with water distribution, drainage, waste collection and traffic management. Therefore, the Assam Urban Action Plans introduce detailed solutions such as smart metering, decentralised waste treatment, upgraded drainage networks and better road connectivity. Every improvement aims to create efficient and resilient service systems that can support growing urban populations.
Furthermore, the plans prioritise public safety, with proposals for improved lighting, safer public spaces and strengthened disaster management cells. These measures reflect the programme’s goal of creating secure and inclusive urban environments.
Pathways for economic growth
The government sees urban development as a key driver of Assam’s future economy. With industries and businesses expanding, cities must evolve to support entrepreneurship and investment. The Assam Urban Action Plans therefore include strategies for economic zones, skill development centres and improved market infrastructure. Through these steps, cities can create employment opportunities and attract new industries.
Local markets, artisans and small businesses also stand to benefit. Action plans encourage the development of dedicated commercial clusters that promote regional products and cultural heritage. Consequently, urban growth becomes linked with local economic empowerment.
Strengthening institutional capacity
To ensure long-term success, the programme emphasises the need for well-functioning urban institutions. The Assam Urban Action Plans include proposals for training municipal staff, modernising technology systems and improving coordination between departments. Strengthened institutions will help cities respond faster to challenges and manage resources better. Additionally, improved financial planning and revenue systems will support ongoing development projects without delays.
A significant step for Assam’s urban future
The release of these action plans signals a committed approach to shaping Assam’s urban growth. The Assam Urban Action Plans provide a roadmap that connects infrastructure, governance and citizen involvement. As the eight cities begin implementing their strategies, the state is moving closer to achieving sustainable and inclusive urban development. With continued community participation and strong institutional support, the Doh Shaher Ek Rupayan programme promises to redefine how Assam’s cities grow and thrive.
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