Guwahati: The Assam cabinet has approved Rs 3,875 crore to develop 348 km of disaster-resilient roads in Dima Hasao district.
The mega project involves the construction and upgrade of 348 kilometers of roadways across five vital roads within the district.
This was announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during a press briefing following the state cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
An early warning and quick response system for landslides and flood disasters will also be installed in the district.
CM Sarma announced that five roads in Dima Hasao have been identified for potential upgrade to national highway specifications. He stated that this upgrade would significantly strengthen the district’s connectivity and unlock its tourism potential.
The chief minister also clarified that funding for the projects will be a joint effort, with the Central government covering 80 percent of the cost and the Assam government covering the remaining 20 percent.
He stated, “This is the largest road development initiative the state government has undertaken for Dima Hasao. Work will commence once the ongoing flood situation improves.”
The state government also decided to provide a one-time financial assistance of Rs 25,000 to research scholars of state-run universities.
The grant will be extended to eligible full-time research scholars of the state, according to a cabinet decision.
“In case of divyang research scholars, the amount will be Rs 40,000 if he or she is in a government university,” he said.
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Sarma said a new varsity, Swahid Kanaklata Barua State University at Gohpur, also received the cabinet nod for developing it at a cost of Rs 400 crore.
He said each district will now be headed by a Senior Superintendent of Police instead of SP.
