Union Home Minister Amit Shah marked a significant milestone in Assam's infrastructure development on Friday by laying the foundation stone for the state's second legislative assembly complex in Dibrugarh. This ambitious project, valued at Rs 284 crore, spans across 250 acres and represents a crucial step in elevating Dibrugarh's status as Assam's second capital.
A Visionary Infrastructure Project
The comprehensive assembly complex will feature multiple essential facilities designed to support legislative functions and accommodate representatives. The development includes a modern assembly building, a dedicated hostel for Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), an auditorium with an 800-person capacity, and a 480-capacity barrack. According to project timelines, the entire complex is scheduled for completion within 30 months, fulfilling Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's 2025 declaration to transform Dibrugarh into a significant administrative center.
Political Significance and Historical Context
Speaking at the Khanikar playground during the ceremony, Amit Shah drew a sharp contrast between current and previous administrations. He emphasized the implementation-focused approach of the BJP government compared to what he described as mere announcements during Congress rule. "We have earlier seen that Congress government's announcements used to remain mere announcements," Shah stated. "The BJP government made the announcement and today the foundation stone of Assam's second assembly complex has been laid." He extended congratulations to Dibrugarh residents, referring to them as future inhabitants of "Assam's capital."
Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex Development
The ceremony also featured the inauguration of Phase-1 of the multi-disciplinary sports complex at Khanikar, constructed at a cost of Rs 238 crore. This state-of-the-art facility boasts an impressive array of sports infrastructure including an indoor stadium, swimming pool complex, football playground, and courts for lawn tennis, volleyball, and basketball, complemented by residential hostels for athletes.
Shah simultaneously laid the foundation for Phase-2 of the sports complex, a Rs 209 crore expansion project that will dramatically increase seating capacity from 5,000 to 35,000 spectators. Upon completion, this development will establish Assam's largest sports complex, providing world-class facilities for athletes and sports enthusiasts across the region.
Wildlife Research and Wetland Restoration Initiatives
In addition to infrastructure projects, Shah remotely inaugurated the Institute of Wildlife Health and Research at Dinjan, an institution dedicated to scientific research and wildlife protection. He also launched Assam's Wetland Restoration Model under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund, a scientifically-driven initiative based on satellite surveys conducted by the Space Application Centre.
The wetland restoration project aims to divert Brahmaputra floodwaters to 15 rejuvenated lakes, with an initial allotment of Rs 692 crore. This innovative approach targets the rejuvenation of 15 major wetlands to serve as natural reservoirs for Brahmaputra floodwaters, addressing long-standing flood challenges in the region.
Comprehensive Flood Mitigation Strategy
Shah elaborated on the scientific solution being implemented to address Assam's persistent flood problems. "We promised a flood-free Assam, and today we are delivering the scientific solution," he declared. "The Union home ministry has allotted Rs 692 crore for 15 wetland developments in the first phase. By diverting water into these 15 rejuvenated lakes, we will protect 7.5 lakh people from floods and bring 77,000 hectares of land under irrigation by utilizing the stored water, allowing our farmers to grow crops three times a year."
This integrated approach combines legislative infrastructure development, sports facility enhancement, wildlife research advancement, and environmental conservation through wetland restoration. The comprehensive initiatives represent a multi-faceted strategy for regional development, flood mitigation, and improved governance infrastructure in Assam's emerging second capital of Dibrugarh.
