The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) on Wednesday launched a new fleet of mechanised sanitation vehicles to strengthen street cleaning, garbage collection and drain desilting operations across Guwahati.
The vehicles were flagged off near the APSC building, marking a fresh push by the civic body to reduce manual sanitation work and improve efficiency, especially ahead of the monsoon season.
Guwahati Municipal Corporation on Wednesday launched a new fleet of mechanised sanitation vehicles, including sweeping machines, auto tippers and suction units, to improve cleaning and waste management across the city. The initiative aims to speed up drain cleaning and garbage lifting, particularly in waterlogging-prone areas of Guwahati.
What Was Launched
According to GMC officials, the new sanitation fleet includes:
- 4 mechanised road sweeping machines
- 50 auto tippers for garbage collection
- 7 suction machines for drain cleaning
- 14 dump tanks for waste transport
The machinery will be deployed for roadside sweeping, solid waste lifting and desilting of drains across multiple wards.
Officials Present at the Launch
The launch event was attended by:
- Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah
- Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania
- Deputy Mayor Smita Roy
- GMC Commissioner Chinmoy Prakash Phukoon
- Senior civic officials
Focus on Monsoon Preparedness
GMC officials said the new machines are expected to reduce dependence on manual labour and speed up drain clearance, particularly in localities that face recurring waterlogging and garbage accumulation during the monsoon.
The fleet will be deployed in phases, based on ward-wise requirements and vulnerability to flooding and waste buildup.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
Sanitation remains a major concern in Guwahati, with residents in several areas continuing to report:
- Irregular garbage collection
- Clogged drains
- Limited access to mechanised cleaning in interior lanes
Civic observers say the success of the initiative will depend on timely deployment, proper maintenance of the machines and whether they reach low-lying and densely populated neighbourhoods.
Mixed Public Expectations
While GMC has expanded its sanitation fleet over the past year, residents say visible improvement on the ground will be the real test.
Several locals pointed out that machines often remain underutilised or are concentrated on main roads, leaving interior areas underserved.
What Happens Next
GMC said the new vehicles will be gradually integrated into daily operations across the city. Officials added that further expansion of mechanised cleaning is planned in the coming months as part of Guwahati’s broader urban sanitation strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
GMC launched sweeping machines, auto tippers, suction machines and dump tanks for cleaning and waste management.
The aim is to reduce manual work, improve cleaning efficiency and address garbage and waterlogging issues, especially during the monsoon.
