GUWAHATI: The Assam cabinet has given its in-principle approval for a massive Rs 3,000 crore economic corridor project. The project is set to span a length of 1,000km and will be implemented under the Asom Mala Scheme, according to Tourism Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah.
The decision was made during a cabinet meeting held on Monday, where the cabinet also approved various other projects aimed at improving rural infrastructure. These projects, totalling Rs 950 crore, will be funded through a loan obtained from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
The funds will be utilised for the enhancement of 90 rural roads and the construction of four rural bridges under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department.
Additionally, the cabinet announced plans to hold its upcoming meetings in different districts. In November and December, cabinet meetings will be hosted in Tinsukia and North Lakhimpur districts, respectively. The meeting in January of the following year will take place in Nagaon.
As part of cost-cutting measures, the deputy commissioners have been advised to limit the expenditure for these meetings to Rs 5 lakh. Additionally, they have been instructed not to initiate any new repair work on circuit houses and inspection bungalows for the purpose of these meetings.
The Assam cabinet also gave its approval for a revised draft notification, in compliance with the Supreme Court directive, for the declaration of an eco-sensitive zone within a 1 km radius around the Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary located in Tinsukia.
In an effort to accommodate state guests and guests of the Gauhati High Court, the cabinet allocated a plot for the construction of a judicial guest house in Kaziranga. The construction of a new office building for the Commissioner of Taxes was also given the green light, with an additional Rs 11.91 crore approved for its completion.
