Dibrugarh (Assam), 30 January (HS): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday unveiled development projects worth ₹1,715 crore in Dibrugarh during his visit to Assam, marking a major step towards decentralising administration and strengthening flood management infrastructure in the state.

At the centre of the announcement was the foundation stone laying of a second Legislative Assembly complex and MLA hostel, with a total cost of ₹284 crore. The project aims to develop Dibrugarh as Assam’s second administrative capital, reducing the burden on Dispur and improving governance delivery in Upper Assam.

The proposed complex will include a three-storey Assembly building, a nine-storey hostel for legislators, an 800-seat auditorium and dedicated residential facilities for security personnel. Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, MPs, MLAs and senior officials were present on the occasion.

Shah also inaugurated the first phase of a multi-disciplinary sports complex built at a cost of ₹238 crore and laid the foundation stone for its second phase, estimated at ₹209 crore. Once completed, the facility will have a seating capacity of 30,000, along with a central playground and an athletic track. The first phase includes an indoor stadium, swimming pool, football ground, multiple courts and hostel facilities.

Another key project announced was a ₹292-crore Wildlife Health and Research Centre aimed at improving treatment facilities for wild animals and enhancing coordination among forest officials, veterinarians and researchers. The centre will house advanced laboratories, training units, a clinical block, a museum and an auditorium.

Significantly, the Union Home Minister also launched a ₹692-crore wetland restoration initiative under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund. The project will focus on reviving 15 wetlands across nine districts to improve water retention, reduce urban flooding and strengthen flood management in the Brahmaputra river basin.

The wetland programme is expected to play a crucial role in mitigating Assam’s recurring flood risks while supporting long-term ecological resilience in the state.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash