The Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation's Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR) centre successfully conducted a major donation drive this past Saturday, mobilising the community to support vulnerable residents battling the intense winter cold.
Community Responds Overwhelmingly to Winter Appeal
The event was held at the Chowkidinghee town square from 10 am to 2 pm. Citizens of Dibrugarh turned out in large numbers to donate a variety of reusable items, including warm clothes, shoes, books, bags, and other essential goods. The drive is a key part of a broader waste management and social welfare campaign supported by the Government of Assam, the Swachh Bharat Mission, Shrishti Waste Management Services, and the Association for People’s Upliftment and Nurturing (APUN).
Deputy Mayor Ujjal Phukon, who was present at the drive, expressed great satisfaction with the public's response. He highlighted the critical timing of the initiative, noting that the collected items would provide much-needed relief. "The response from the people of Dibrugarh was encouraging as they came out in large numbers to donate," Phukon said. "Particularly in the ongoing harsh winter season where the minimum temperature in Dibrugarh has been ranging between 8°C to 9°C, it will be helpful for the underprivileged people."
Drive Addresses Urgent Need Amidst Cold Wave
The donation drive comes at a crucial time as Dibrugarh endures one of its coldest periods in recent weeks. Data from the India Meteorological Department indicates that minimum temperatures have consistently stayed in single digits through late December and early January, with readings falling as low as 7.8°C. This sustained cold wave has created an urgent demand for warm clothing and blankets among the city's economically disadvantaged populations.
Dual Focus on Social Welfare and Environmental Sustainability
The RRR centre's programme is designed to achieve two important goals simultaneously. Firstly, it provides a direct social benefit by channelling essential resources to those who need them most. Secondly, it promotes environmental sustainability by encouraging citizens to donate reusable items instead of throwing them away, thereby reducing landfill waste.
Organisers explained the process, stating that all collected donations will be taken to the RRR centre for sorting and a thorough quality check. "By giving a second life to usable items, the programme seeks to reduce landfill waste while ensuring that essential resources reach those in need," they affirmed. This structured approach ensures that the aid is effective and that the principles of the circular economy are put into practice.
The initiative stands as a strong example of how local governance, supported by state and national missions, can effectively address immediate social challenges while fostering long-term sustainable practices within the community.
