Guwahati: A severe pollution crisis has engulfed Mela Maidan in Dhubri, Assam, following the culmination of the 15-day Ashok Ashtami Mela. Once alive with festive cheer and vibrant stalls, the grounds are now buried under mounds of unattended waste, triggering serious environmental and health concerns among local residents.
The annual fair, a significant cultural and commercial event, drew crowds from across the country and brought in considerable revenue for the Mela Committee through fees collected from hundreds of vendors and amusement operators. Ferris wheels, food stalls, and temporary shops lined the venue, transforming the space into a bustling economic hub. However, once the celebrations ended, so did the apparent responsibility of the organisers.
Despite their organisational efficiency during the Mela, the Mela Committee has taken no visible steps to clean up the venue. Residents, now forced to navigate piles of rotting waste and plastic debris, have expressed anger over the neglect. The mess has not only tainted the festive spirit but has also created breeding grounds for disease, compounding public health concerns in the area.
Adding to the frustration, the Dhubri Municipal Board is also under scrutiny for collecting taxes during the Mela but failing to act in the aftermath. Locals are demanding clear accountability and immediate cleanup action, as the finger-pointing between authorities continues.
The situation underscores a glaring gap in public event governance — the lack of a defined post-event waste management protocol. As residents bear the brunt of the negligence, many are now urging the administration to establish formal guidelines and responsibilities to prevent such ecological negligence in the future. The stench and sight of waste have become a daily reminder of a festival that ended in celebration but left behind a trail of civic failure.
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