The Doh Shaher, Ek Rupayan programme also aims to move towards sustainable urbanisation by reimagining how Assam builds its cities. The following are updates with respect to the same:
- Understanding existing public and blue-green infrastructure in the 10 cities using the MEPI (Move-Eat-Play-Include) framework
Over the past few months, Jana Urban Space has undertaken work to understand the urbanisation context across the 10 cities, focusing on existing infrastructure, building materials, prevailing practices and benchmarks across key categories of public and blue-green infrastructure. This effort included field visits and transect walks to ground the analysis in on-site observations.
Using the Move-Eat-Play-Include framework, the team assessed the current status of these cities. This process is intended to support the identification of a shelf of projects that can guide holistic and planned urban development going forward.
- Identification and implementation of the Lighthouse Projects
As part of the work above, certain projects – meant to be marquee or lighthouse – were identified in a select list of cities. The Lighthouse Projects aim to demonstrate alternative approaches to exemplary public design that cities can adopt, while also embedding a broader reform agenda on how public infrastructure is envisioned and built across the country. Some of these saw progress in implementation:
2.1 The Sivadol Project
Sivasagar City, a small town often known as the Cultural Capital of the Assam state, sees significant domestic tourism. The centre of the town holds Sivadol, (meaning the temple of Shiva) is a group of structures comprising three Hindu temples of Sivadol, Vishnudol and Devidol shrines, and a museum. These are located on the banks of the Sivasagar (“the ocean of the god Shiva”) tank, also known as the Borpukhuri tank, in the heart of Sivasagar, in the Indian state of Assam. The tank was constructed between 1731 and 1738, and the temples were built in 1734 by Bar Raja Ambika, the queen of Ahom king Swargadeo Siva Singha. The region embodies the richness of the city centre of Sivasagar.
The Lighthouse Project aims to revitalise the area around Sivadol by applying the principles of Tender S.U.RE, focusing on the integration of utility corridors, context-sensitive drainage design, enhanced pedestrian access, and the celebration of local culture and heritage. Work on the pilot stretch has begun in Jun’25.
2.2 Urban Forest in N Lakhimpur
The second Lighthouse Project involves the transformation of a former dumpsite into a remediated parcel of land, where an urban forest has been planned, with designated zones set aside for public use.
On June 17, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, inaugurated the North Lakhimpur Urban Forest, a pioneering green initiative transforming a 40-year-old landfill into a thriving ecological park. Developed under the “Doh Shahar Ek Rupayan” programme, the project is a collaboration between the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs (DoHUA), Janaagraha, and Jana Urban Space Foundation. The project has commenced, and Phase 1 is expected to be completed by the end of the year 2025.
The 5.5-acre site will now feature a dense Miyawaki forest with over 15,000 native trees, designed as an immersive, community-centric space with thematic gardens, nature trails, eco-art, and learning zones. Landfill waste was treated using organic decomposition, and recyclable materials were processed separately to ensure safe site rehabilitation.
The project embodies a 4P philosophy—Protect, Preserve, Promote, Participate—promoting biodiversity, ecological balance, public wellness, and citizen engagement. Spaces like the Museum of Lost Trees, Edible Forest, and the Forest Oracle Path blend education, culture, and sustainability.
Envisioned as a model for future urban eco-restoration efforts across Assam, this forest aligns with the Assam Green Cities Mission and the State Climate Action Plan. It serves as a replicable blueprint for converting waste sites into vibrant blue-green public spaces
Priorities for the next quarter (Jul – Sep)
- Continuous engagement on the Lighthouse Project
The engagement on the Lighthouse Projects is expected to continue as potential quick wins for the state before the elections in March’2026.
- Identification of critical reform agendas across urban planning and infrastructure processes
A comprehensive deep dive will be conducted into the existing processes, institutions, and financing mechanisms related to urban planning. This will include a detailed assessment of Master Plans, the use of GIS, availability and integration of sectoral plans, and the associated institutional frameworks. Additionally, the review will cover current tendering and procurement processes, including the applicable schedule of rates.
Learnings and challenges:
Engagement with local teams from agencies such as PWD and Forest Departments in Sivasagar and North Lakhimpur has provided valuable insights into the capacities and skills that need to be developed for climate-resilient infrastructure. This includes building understanding around the need, technical requirements, and potential for replication.
Assam is poised for significant economic growth in the coming decade, which will be accompanied by substantial investments in urban infrastructure. Striking a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability will be critical as the state charts its growth trajectory. Our reflections have centred around reimagining these development pathways to support a more balanced and resilient approach to urbanisation.