• The Government of Assam, in partnership with Janaagraha, has rolled out eight City Action Plans under the flagship urban governance initiative ‘Doh Shaher Ek Rupayan’. 
• The plans aim to transform urban planning by involving citizens, local institutions, and multiple departments in a coordinated manner.
• These CAPs are part of the larger “10 Cities Development Concept”, covering: 
  • Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, North Lakhimpur, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Tezpur, Nagaon, Nalbari, Dhubri, and Silchar—cities facing rising pressure from urbanisation.
• The plans were launched by the Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs.

Key Features of the City Action Plans

1. Citizen-centric planning

• First time in India where city-level planning is shaped through extensive community engagement:
  • Self Help Groups
  • Ward-level meetings
  • Multi-department consultations

2. Integrated and coordinated development

• CAPs overcome the common issue of departmental silos.
• Plans ensure optimal utilisation of funds and prioritised city-wise needs.

3. Link to funding and performance

• Cities adhering to CAPs will receive additional government funding.
• Encourages accountability and measurable progress.

4. Protection of urban water bodies

• More than 2,000 water bodies were identified.
• Implementation of The Assam Urban Water Bodies Act to conserve lakes, ponds, wetlands across all Urban Local Bodies.

Why It Matters 

• Demonstrates decentralised and participatory urban governance.
• Aligns with national missions like AMRUT 2.0, Smart Cities Mission, and Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban.
• The CAP model may become a national template for small and medium cities.

Exam Hook – Prelims One-Liner

The Assam Urban Water Bodies Act was introduced primarily to conserve and manage which of the following?
Ans: Urban lakes, ponds, wetlands, and other water bodies.

MCQs

Q. Which institution partnered with Assam to create City Action Plans?

A. NITI Aayog
B. Janaagraha
C. HUDCO
D. AIILSG
Answer: B

Source