In a significant development for urban infrastructure in Upper Assam, State Public Health Engineering and Housing & Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah laid the foundation stone for two crucial projects in Dibrugarh on Wednesday. The ceremony marked the beginning of the Dibrugarh Town Water Supply Project (Part-2) and a new sewage treatment plant under the central government's AMRUT 2.0 scheme.
Boosting Infrastructure for Assam's Future Second Capital
The foundation stone laying ceremony took place at Dibrugarh University's west campus and witnessed participation from several dignitaries. Among the prominent attendees were state power minister and local MLA Prasanta Phukan, district commissioner Bikram Kairi, mayor Saikat Patra, deputy mayor Ujjal Phukon, Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation commissioner Jay Vikas, and vice-chancellor of Dibrugarh University Jiten Hazarika.
Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah emphasized the strategic importance of these projects, stating that "With Dibrugarh being developed as Assam's second capital after Guwahati, these water supply and sewage treatment schemes will play a crucial role in strengthening the city's infrastructure and improving the quality of life for residents."
Funding and Project Details
Both infrastructure initiatives receive funding through the UIDF-NHB (Urban Infrastructure Development Fund-National Housing Bank), specifically designed to address urban development challenges. The projects aim to resolve persistent water scarcity issues and improve sanitation standards in the rapidly expanding Dibrugarh municipal area.
The timing of these projects aligns with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's earlier announcement about developing Dibrugarh as the state's second capital by 2027. This ambitious plan includes constructing a permanent Assam assembly building in the city, positioning Dibrugarh as a political, administrative, and economic hub in upper Assam.
Local Leadership Expresses Optimism
Local MLA Prasanta Phukan expressed strong optimism about the dual development push, noting that "The dual push of administrative elevation and essential civic projects marks a new era for Dibrugarh." He further added that "These initiatives will lay a strong foundation for sustainable growth as the city assumes greater state significance."
As Dibrugarh transforms into a prioritized urban center, the new water supply project and sewage treatment plant are expected to significantly enhance water distribution efficiency, improve sanitation services, and boost environmental health standards. This infrastructure upgrade will support the city's emergence as an important administrative hub while addressing the essential needs of its growing population.
The projects represent a coordinated effort between state and central government schemes to build sustainable urban infrastructure that can accommodate Dibrugarh's expanded role in Assam's administrative framework.
