Guwahati: Lending a new momentum to the development of Bokakhat, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday inaugurated and laid foundation stones of a number of development projects worth Rs 85 crore. Sarma inaugurated the first phase of the integrated sports complex involving 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. Sarma also launched an intensified mission Indradhanush 5.0 at Bokakhat and graced the State level celebration of National Handloom Day there.
Speaking on the occasion, Sarma narrated the glorious heritage of Bokakhat covering Kaziranga National Park, Numaligarh Refinery and other historical sites. Moreover, talking on ‘one district one product initiative’, he added that efforts have been undertaken for transforming Golaghat into an organic tea production district. He also added that government has already approved the processing of home-grown Agarwood harvested from private plantations for the growth of the industry.
Stating that Assam has a very deep connection with handloom products, Sarma mentioned about Srimanta Sankardeva’s Vrindavani Bastra having 120 hand length and 60 hand breadth. For improving the handloom sector, he stated that the government has banned selling Gamocha prepared by powerlooms. Following restrictions imposed on bringing Mekhala, Arnai etc from outside, the State’s own production of handloom has received a new momentum. He informed that with earmarking of Rs 100 crore for purchasing products from Assam’s weavers, the local artisans got immensely benefited.
Giving a snapshot of different projects being undertaken in Kaziranga and other areas of Golaghat district, Sarma said that along with an elevated corridor, the proposed underwater bridge in Brahmaputra connecting Kamargaon with Gohpur will revolutionize connectivity & tourism in the locality. To add beauty and quality to Bokakhat sports complex, the government is expected to provide Rs 40 crore. Sarma also announced Rs 10 lakh to Uma Chetry for securing the space in the Indian women’s cricket team.
Later, Sarma took stock of the proposed museum and aquarium project, under which a guest house, an open stage etc are planned. He also visited the site of the proposed heliport to be constructed at Galeki. Sarma handed over a vehicle to be deployed for patrolling the Kaziranga forest reserve. State assembly deputy speaker Nomal Momin, ministers Atul Bora, Keshab Mahanta, Ajanta Neog, UG Brahma, legislators Bidyasing Englang, Biswajit Phukan, Bhabendranath Bharali, Mrinal Saikia and a host of dignitaries were present on the occasion.
