The annual Dhubri Mela, a major cultural and religious event in Assam, has ended in controversy this year as the town now grapples with a severe environmental crisis. After drawing thousands of visitors from across the state, the fairgrounds have been left in a state of disarray, with piles of garbage, plastic waste, and leftover food scattered across the area. The organizers have failed to take responsibility for the post-event cleanup, sparking outrage among local residents, environmental activists, and municipal authorities.
The mela, which concluded earlier this week, saw a huge influx of people participating in rituals, shopping, and community celebrations. However, as the festivities died down, the lack of proper waste disposal measures became painfully evident. Mounds of non-biodegradable waste have remained untouched, and open drains near the venue have begun to clog with discarded packaging and food containers. The lingering stench and unsightly conditions have raised health and hygiene concerns, particularly among families living near the mela grounds.
Local authorities have confirmed that the event organizers did not coordinate any systematic cleanup plan with the Dhubri Municipal Board. Civic workers reported that no waste management support was provided, leaving them overwhelmed and under-equipped to handle the large-scale mess. The municipal board has since begun emergency cleanup operations, but the process is slow and resource-intensive due to the volume and variety of waste involved.
Environmental activists have stepped in to highlight the broader implications of the incident. They argue that events of such scale must follow strict guidelines to minimize environmental impact and ensure accountability. According to several members of local NGOs, the Dhubri Mela could have adopted eco-friendly practices such as reusable food containers, segregated waste bins, and biodegradable packaging. Instead, they observed unchecked use of single-use plastics and complete negligence in managing the waste aftermath.
Residents of Dhubri have expressed disappointment and anger over the situation. Many have taken to social media to share images and videos of the garbage-strewn areas, tagging government officials and demanding immediate action. Some have reported that street animals have begun feeding on the waste, creating additional hazards. Several community members, including students, have volunteered to assist municipal workers, reflecting the growing public frustration over the event’s mismanagement.
The controversy has prompted local political leaders to call for stricter regulations on public events. MLA and representatives from the Dhubri district administration have condemned the negligence shown by the mela organizers and pledged to draft new guidelines requiring mandatory cleanup plans for all future large-scale gatherings. They also promised to review permissions granted to organizers and take legal steps against those who fail to uphold public health and environmental norms.
In response to the backlash, the organizing committee issued a brief statement claiming that they had made arrangements for post-event sanitation. However, they blamed logistical delays and coordination issues for the situation. The statement has failed to satisfy critics, who continue to press for an official investigation and a detailed cleanup timeline. The Assam State Pollution Control Board has also taken note of the issue and may conduct an inspection to assess the environmental damage caused by the negligence.
The incident has reignited conversations about responsible event management in Assam. Public forums, school debates, and media outlets have begun to focus on sustainable practices and the importance of environmental responsibility. Many believe that the Dhubri Mela crisis should serve as a wake-up call not only for event organizers but also for regulatory bodies that issue permissions without ensuring accountability.
As the cleanup efforts continue, residents and environmental groups remain vocal in their demands for transparency and reform. The hope is that the chaos left behind by this year’s Dhubri Mela will lead to meaningful changes in how public events are planned and executed in Assam, ensuring that celebrations no longer come at the cost of environmental degradation.
The aftermath of the Dhubri Mela has also affected the local economy in unexpected ways. Vendors who operated stalls during the fair have reported difficulty accessing the grounds to retrieve their remaining supplies due to the piled-up waste and blocked pathways. Some small businesses have suffered losses because the unclean conditions discouraged customers from returning during the final days of the event. Hotel and guesthouse owners nearby have complained of canceled bookings, as tourists opted to leave early rather than stay in the unsanitary environment.
Doctors from the nearby Dhubri Civil Hospital have raised concerns about a potential rise in vector-borne diseases. With garbage lying unattended and water sources contaminated, they fear an outbreak of dengue, malaria, or gastrointestinal infections, especially among children and the elderly. Medical professionals have urged the local administration to act swiftly and also suggested temporary health camps in the vicinity to address any immediate medical concerns caused by the environmental fallout.
Meanwhile, student organizations from Dhubri-based colleges and universities have begun mobilizing awareness campaigns around responsible waste disposal. They have taken up the issue as part of their civic engagement programs, conducting door-to-door drives and organizing clean-up marathons. These youth-led initiatives have gained traction online and are drawing attention from other parts of the state, where similar events are being planned in the coming months.
Legal experts have also weighed in on the matter, stating that the event organizers could be held liable under environmental protection laws and municipal waste management regulations. They argue that the failure to uphold waste disposal standards constitutes a breach of public duty, and fines or criminal charges could be applicable if the investigation proves willful negligence.
The environmental damage caused by the Dhubri Mela has also raised alarms about the long-term health of the local Brahmaputra riverbank, near which the event is held. With plastic and food waste spilling into nearby streams and drainage channels, there is a risk of pollutants entering the larger water system, affecting aquatic life and water quality. Environmentalists have urged immediate measures to clean the surrounding wetlands and prevent irreversible ecological damage.
As the pressure mounts on authorities to act, many in Assam hope this incident will become a turning point. The demand for stronger oversight, eco-friendly infrastructure, and community participation in public events is growing louder. Citizens, activists, and students alike are now looking toward a future where festivals like the Dhubri Mela can celebrate culture without compromising the health of the people or the planet.