Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said that the rapid rise of Dibrugarh and the resurgence of indigenous identity underline the profound transformation underway in Assam and the Northeast under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was speaking at a major programme in Dibrugarh where Amit Shah, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, laid foundation stones and inaugurated multiple landmark infrastructure projects.
Dibrugarh Set to Emerge as Assam’s Second Capital
Shri Sonowal termed the day as historic for Dibrugarh, as foundation stones were laid for key governance and development projects that will operationalise the city as Assam’s second capital. The projects—five in total—are slated for completion at a cumulative cost of ₹1,715 crore, marking a decisive step towards decentralised administration and balanced regional growth in Upper Assam.
Among the flagship initiatives is the new Assam Legislative Assembly complex and MLA residential facility, estimated at ₹284 crore, aimed at strengthening governance infrastructure and administrative capacity in the region.
Major Infrastructure Push for Holistic Growth
The Home Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for a series of transformational projects, including:
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A world-class multi-purpose sports complex in Dibrugarh
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A wildlife health and research institute
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Large-scale rejuvenation of ponds and wetlands across the region
According to Shri Sonowal, these initiatives will create new economic momentum, enhance quality of life, and reinforce Assam’s long-term development trajectory under the Modi government’s vision of good governance and regional empowerment.
Wetland Rejuvenation to Strengthen Flood Resilience
A major highlight was the inauguration of the Assam Wetlands Restoration and Rejuvenation Project under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund at Khanikar Parade Ground. With an investment of ₹692 crore, the project focuses on restoring 125 wetlands across nine districts of Assam.
Shri Sonowal said the initiative will significantly strengthen flood mitigation, climate resilience, groundwater recharge and ecological balance. The programme is expected to:
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Protect around 7.5 lakh people from floods
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Irrigate nearly 77,000 hectares of land
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Enable farmers to grow three crops annually
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Boost animal husbandry, dairy development, and eco-tourism
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Create new opportunities for water sports and tourism
Sports Infrastructure and Youth Empowerment
As part of the sports development drive, the first phase of the multi-purpose sports complex at Khanikar was inaugurated. The Home Minister also laid the foundation stone for expanding the stadium’s seating capacity from 5,000 to 35,000, enabling Dibrugarh to host national and international sporting events.
Shri Sonowal said such investments will empower youth, nurture sporting talent, and position Dibrugarh as a major hub for sports and cultural activities in the Northeast.
Peace as the Foundation of Development
Shri Sonowal emphasised that sustained peace and stability under PM Modi and guidance from Amit Shah have laid the foundation for Assam’s rapid development. He said lasting peace has enabled accelerated infrastructure creation, economic growth and improved governance across the state.
He contrasted the current phase with what he described as decades of neglect, corruption and missed opportunities under previous Congress governments, stating that the past decade has marked a decisive shift toward aspirational and accountable governance.
Indigenous Culture and Mising Youth Festival
The Union Minister highlighted the symbolic importance of the 10th Mising Youth Festival, whose closing ceremony was attended by the Home Minister at Kareng Chapori in Dhemaji. He said the festival showcased the government’s integrated approach toward cultural preservation, youth empowerment and community participation.
Shri Sonowal noted that the celebration of Mising heritage alongside the development push in Dibrugarh reflects the growing confidence and cultural resurgence of the Northeast under the Modi government.
United Vision for Assam’s Future
Calling upon people across the Barak and Brahmaputra valleys, hills and plains, Shri Sonowal urged unity in advancing Assam’s development goals. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, infrastructure development, indigenous empowerment and long-term prosperity.
Conclusion
Shri Sonowal concluded that Dibrugarh’s emergence as Assam’s second capital, combined with large-scale infrastructure creation, wetland rejuvenation, sports development and cultural revival, represents a new chapter in Assam’s growth story. Anchored in the Amrit Kaal vision and aligned with Viksit Bharat, these initiatives reaffirm the government’s commitment to building a strong, self-reliant and culturally confident Assam and Northeast.
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Source: PIB
