Sonakshi Sarkar

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has urged the Central government to provide northeastern states with greater access to funding through Externally Aided Projects (EAPs), saying the region has consistently demonstrated its ability to successfully implement large-scale development initiatives. Speaking after attending a seminar on “Leveraging EAPs in North-Eastern States” in Shillong on Friday, Sarma said he appealed to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to increase the funding limits available to northeastern states under externally aided programmes. He stressed that such projects have become an important source of support for infrastructure creation and economic development across the region. According to…

In an effort to reduce wildlife casualties and protect the endangered Golden Langur, the BTC Forest Department and the Primate Research Centre Northeast India (PRC NE India) have installed two artificial canopy bridges along the Bismuri–Saralpara Road that passes through Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park in western Assam. The initiative comes amid growing concerns over the impact of an ongoing road widening project on the habitat of the rare primate species. Conservationists have warned that the expansion of the roadway has disrupted natural tree canopies, forcing Golden Langurs to descend to the ground while moving between forest patches and increasing the…

Assam is stepping up efforts to strengthen its power infrastructure as the state prepares for rising electricity demand in the coming years. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on June 19 said the government is making significant investments in the power sector with the goal of transforming Assam into an energy-surplus state while ensuring a reliable supply of electricity to every household. Sharing an update on social media platform X, the Chief Minister outlined the progress made so far and the plans underway to further enhance the state's power transmission and distribution network. According to Sarma, Assam currently operates 82 substations…

Two suspected drug traffickers were arrested during a joint anti-narcotics operation carried out by police in Assam's Nagaon district, officials said on Thursday. The operation was conducted late on the night of June 17 in the Lalipathar area under Dhing following specific intelligence inputs. The raid was jointly carried out by Dhing Police and Ahomgaon Police with assistance from members of the Village Defence Party (VDP). During the operation, police apprehended two individuals identified as Baharul Islam and Rajibul Islam. A soap case containing suspected narcotic substances was recovered from their possession. Police also seized a Bullet motorcycle bearing registration…

The Assam government has intensified preparations for the annual Ambubachi Mela at the revered Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, with authorities expecting a large turnout of devotees, saints and visitors during the four-day religious gathering beginning on June 22. Held every year at the Kamakhya Temple atop the Nilachal Hills, the Ambubachi Mela is one of the country's largest religious congregations. The festival marks the symbolic annual menstruation cycle of Goddess Maa Kamakhya and attracts pilgrims from across India as well as several foreign countries. Officials estimate that nearly 8 lakh devotees and visitors may attend this year's mela, prompting multiple…

Assam has set an ambitious goal of becoming an energy-surplus state, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announcing a series of major reforms aimed at strengthening the power sector, improving electricity supply and expanding clean energy generation. The decisions were taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister with senior officials and stakeholders from the power sector. The government said the reforms are part of a long-term strategy to build a reliable, efficient and financially strong electricity network capable of meeting the state's growing energy requirements. Sharing details of the roadmap, Sarma said the government is focusing…