Dibrugarh marked a decisive moment in Assam’s development journey on Friday as Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stones and inaugurated multiple landmark infrastructure projects, reinforcing the city’s role as the second capital of Assam. Union Minister of Ports Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal joined Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at the event, which covered five major projects with a combined investment of ₹1,715 crore.
The projects include the construction of a new Assam Legislative Assembly building and MLA residential complex, development of a world class multi purpose sports complex, establishment of a wildlife health and research institute, and large scale restoration and rejuvenation of ponds and wetlands across the Dibrugarh region. The initiatives aim to decentralise governance, strengthen administrative infrastructure and accelerate sustainable development in upper Assam.
Speaking at the programme, Sarbananda Sonowal said the foundation stone laying by Amit Shah marked a historic day for Dibrugarh and reflected the transformative development agenda under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said Assam and the entire Northeast had witnessed unprecedented change over the past decade, with people’s aspirations being converted into tangible outcomes through good governance and focused policy implementation.
To strengthen governance capacity, Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of the new Assam Legislative Assembly complex in Dibrugarh at an estimated cost of ₹284 crore. The project is expected to play a pivotal role in operationalising Dibrugarh as Assam’s second capital and easing administrative functioning.
The Home Minister also inaugurated the Assam Wetlands Restoration and Rejuvenation Project under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund at Khanikar Parade Ground. Implemented with an investment of ₹692 crore, the project focuses on restoring 125 wetlands across nine districts of Assam to address chronic challenges of flooding, waterlogging, siltation and environmental degradation. The initiative is designed to strengthen long term climate resilience and flood mitigation in the state.
As part of sports infrastructure development, the first phase of a multi purpose sports complex at Khanikar was inaugurated, while the foundation stone was laid for expansion of the main stadium’s seating capacity from 5,000 to 35,000. The upgraded facility is expected to enable Dibrugarh to host major national and international sporting events.
Sonowal said the declaration of Dibrugarh as the second capital was followed by swift action by the state government to create essential infrastructure, enabling the successful execution of the projects. He added that sustained peace and stability under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and guidance of Amit Shah had created a conducive environment for rapid development in Assam, which has emerged as one of the fastest growing economies in the country.
Highlighting the ecological dimension, Sonowal said the wetland rejuvenation initiative would benefit nearly 7.5 lakh people by reducing flood intensity, improving groundwater recharge and irrigating about 77,000 hectares of land. He said the restored wetlands and large ponds would also support multi cropping, boost animal husbandry and dairy activities, and create new opportunities for water sports and tourism.
The Dibrugarh programme was attended by Union Minister for Environment Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, Assam Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta, Assam Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika, and Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita, along with senior central and state officials.
Amit Shah later attended the closing ceremony of the 10th Mising Youth Festival at Kareng Chapori in Dhemaji, organised by the Assam government to celebrate the culture and identity of the Mising community. The ceremony was attended by Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, Lakhimpur MP Pradan Baruah and Paramananda Chayangia, Chief Executive Member of the Mising Autonomous Council.
Sonowal said the twin events in Dibrugarh and Dhemaji reflected the government’s integrated approach to infrastructure development, disaster mitigation and cultural preservation. He reaffirmed the commitment to building a strong, self reliant and culturally confident Assam aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat.
