HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Aug 7: Lending a new momentum to the development of Bokakhat, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday inaugurated and laid foundation stones of different development projects worth Rs 85 crore.
It may be noted that chief minister Sarma inaugurated the first phase of the Integrated Sports Complex involving worth Rs 10 crore. Moreover, he laid the foundations for an Inspection Bungalow worth Rs 10 crore, a hospital for domestic animals worth Rs 9 crore and an integrated handloom park involving an outlay of Rs 56 crore.
The chief minister also launched an Intensified Mission Indradhanush 5.0 at Bokakhat. He also attended a programme held on the occasion of state level celebration of National Handloom Day at Bokakhat.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Sarma narrating the glorious heritage of Bokakhat said that besides Kaziranga National Park, the sub-division has Numaligarh Refinery and other historical sites.
Moreover, talking on ‘one district one product initiative’, the chief minister said that efforts have been undertaken for transforming Golaghat into an organic tea production district.
Speaking on Agarwood and its immense importance in Golaghat, he said that the government has approved processing of home-grown Agarwood harvested from private plantation for the growth of the Agarwood industry.
Stating that Assam has a very deep connection with handloom, the chief minister said that Srimanta Sankardeva made Vrindavani Bastra having 120 hand length and 60 hand breadth.
To improve handloom in the state, the chief minister said that the government has banned selling gamocha prepared from power looms. Moreover, following restrictions imposed on bringing the Mekhala, Arnai, etc., manufactured outside the state, Assam’s own production of handloom received a new momentum.
The chief minister said that with earmarking of Rs 100 crore for purchasing products from Assam’s weaver, the local artisans got immensely benefitted.
Giving a snapshot of different projects being undertaken in Kaziranga and in Golaghat district, CM Sarma said that along with an elevated corridor, the proposed underwater bridge in the Brahmaputra connecting Kamargaon with Gohpur will revolutionise connectivity and tourism in Kaziranga.
Chief minister Sarma said that to add beauty and quality to Bokakhat Sports Complex, the state government will provide Rs 40 crore. He also announced Rs 10 lakh to Uma Chetry for securing a spot in the Indian Women Cricket Team.
Deputy Speaker Assam Legislative Assembly Dr Nomal Momin, animal husbandry and veterinary minister Atul Bora, health and family welfare minister Keshab Mahanta, finance minister Ajanta Neog, handloom and textile minister UG Brahma, MLAs Bidyasing Englang, Biswajit Phukan, Bhabendranath Bharali, Mrinal Saikia, CEM KAAC Tuliram Ronghang, and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Later, the chief minister took stock of the proposed Museum and Aquarium project. It may be noted that under the project, guesthouse, open stage, etc., have also been included. He also visited the site of the proposed heliport to be constructed at Galeki. He also handed over a vehicle to be deployed for patrolling the Kaziranga National Park.
