Centre Allocates Rs 1,100 Crore for Inland Waterways and Ayush Projects

In a significant move to enhance connectivity and infrastructure in the Northeast region, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced a substantial grant of over Rs 1,100 crore for the development of 25 inland waterways projects. The focus is on expediting crucial projects and ensuring their completion by January 2024.

Regional Breakdown: Assam Takes the Lead

Out of the allocated funds, Rs 850 crore has been earmarked for Assam alone, supporting 15 key inland waterways projects. Minister Sonowal emphasized the importance of these projects for the state’s development.

Project Highlights and Directives

1. Floating Jetties: The directive was issued to complete seven floating jetties at strategic locations in Assam, including Jogighopa, Pandu, Biswanath, Nimati, Bindhakata, Uriamghat, and Sadiya.

2. Permanent Jetties: Notable projects such as permanent jetties at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh and the renovation of a jetty at Badarpur in Karimganj are set to be completed. Additionally, the construction of a permanent jetty at Sonamura in Tripura is on track for timely completion.
3. Brahmaputra and Barak Rivers: Minister Sonowal reviewed the progress of 15 floating jetties on the Brahmaputra and 15 jetties on the Barak river, emphasizing the need for regular dredging of 88 identified shallow passages on the Brahmaputra to ensure smooth ship passage.

4. Completion Timeline: Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Transformation via Transportation,’ the Minister highlighted the commitment to making these critical projects operational by January 2024.

Ayush Ministry’s Focus on Health and Wellness

In addition to the inland waterways projects, Minister Sonowal shed light on the initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Ayush in the Northeast region.

Ayush Projects Overview

1. Project Allocation: The Ministry of Ayush is implementing projects worth Rs 286 crore across the Northeast, with a directive to scale up and expedite these projects.

2. Health Infrastructure: The foundation stone laying ceremony for a Yoga and Naturopathy hospital in Dibrugarh and a new building for the Regional Research Institute of Homoeopathy in Guwahati, collectively worth Rs 114.99 crores, is scheduled for January 2024.
3. Ayush Education and Wellness Centers: Out of the approved 830 Ayush Health and Wellness centers in the region, 495 are already operational. Nine out of 33 integrated Ayush hospitals are functional, showcasing progress in health infrastructure.

4. Institutional Support: The Ayush Ministry is actively supporting eight Ayush education undergraduate and postgraduate institutions, with approval for three new Ayush institutes in Sikkim, Manipur, and Assam.

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