Assam

An organisation representing Assam’s tea garden workers met Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren this week and highlighted the long-standing social, economic and identity-related struggles faced by Adivasi communities working in Assam’s tea plantations. The delegation from Adivasi Samanvaya Samiti Bharat (Assam) told the chief minister that decades of neglect by successive governments in Assam have left the tea tribe population marginalised in almost every sector of life. According to a statement issued by the Jharkhand Chief Minister’s Office, the group explained how Adivasi workers continue to face barriers in wages, land rights, education, healthcare, and recognition of their identity. The…

The Assam government on Thursday distributed financial grants to 442 former Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) members at a ceremony organised by the State Home Department and the Special Branch of Assam Police in Guwahati. Assam Cabinet Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah and Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Chief Executive Member Hagrama Mohilary handed over the cheques as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate former militants into mainstream society. Senior officials, including Assam DGP Harmeet Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Tewari, and Special ADGP Hiren Chandra Nath, were present at the event. Each former cadre received ₹2 lakh, aimed at…

Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve stands strong because of the unwavering dedication of its frontline staff. Among them shines a remarkable group of women known as the Van Durgas — fearless forest frontliners recognised by the Hon’ble Prime Minister for their exceptional service to nature. With a force of around 108 women, these frontline heroes work as foresters and forest guards, forming the backbone of Kaziranga’s protection system.Their days begin with anti-poaching patrols and end with addressing human–wildlife conflict, eco-development work, and community engagement. Their courage reflects not only professional discipline but also a deep love for the wilderness…

In a significant conservation effort for Assam's endangered Black Softshell Turtle, the second batch of 110 hatchlings was released into Sildubi Wetland, Panpur, following the initial release of the same number at Roumari Beel on October 24, 2025, totaling 220 hatchlings. The release event was attended by MLA Shri Padma Hazarika, who emphasized the critical role of freshwater turtles as indicators of wetland health and integral parts of river ecosystems. He commended the partnerships among the Nagshankar Temple Committee, Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve (KNP & TR), and the India Turtle Conservation Program (ITCP). This initiative, led by the…

The district administration on Thursday carried out an eviction drive at Tarapur in Silchar to remove what officials described as illegal encroachments and unauthorised settlements. According to officials, the settlers had been issued notices nearly three months ago, but many of them did not vacate the area within the given time. As a result, the administration proceeded with the eviction as part of its ongoing effort to clear government land. During the operation, bulldozers were brought in to demolish structures that were marked as illegal. Officials on the ground said the action was taken only after repeated reminders were ignored.…

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma conducted a preparatory meeting on Wednesday at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Dibrugarh, involving various ministers, MLAs, and senior officials to review the preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Namrup on December 21. Modi, during his visit to Assam on December 20 and 21, is set to inaugurate the new terminal building at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Borjhar, Guwahati, and unveil a statue of the esteemed Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi. Furthermore, he will lay the foundation for a significant ammonia-urea project in Namrup, valued at approximately Rs 12,000 crore…

The 13th Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™️ Forum (EHNF) 2025 commenced among four partner institutions: Gauhati University, Assam Royal Global University, IIT Guwahati, and Cotton University. Each university hosted thematic sessions focused on their strengths, such as sustainable land futures, social entrepreneurship, energy, water, forests, and biodiversity. Notable international figures, including Her Excellency May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway to India, attended, highlighting the Forum’s global significance and promoting international environmental cooperation. Prominent companies like Tata Steel Foundation, SEROS, Coca-Cola, Google Singapore, and Tata Consumer Products Limited also contributed to the Forum, discussing their sustainability commitments within the Eastern Himalayan context. At Gauhati…

A major fire out at a multi-storey commercial building in the heart of Guwahati at the ABC area in the wee hours of Wednesday.Offices of State Bank of India and a popular apparel outlet called Sohum Emporia suffered extensive damage as the blaze rapidly engulfed all six floors of the building within minutes.However, there hasn't been any report of human casualty so far.Preliminary assessments indicate that cash, documents and property worth crores may have been lost in the incident.Several fire tenders were pressed into action, which took about hours to douse the flames.The cause of the fire is yet to…

Ambassador of Norway to India, Ms. May-Elin Stener, met Assam’s Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Irrigation, Ashok Singhal, at his office in the Assam Secretariat today and held discussions on a range of issues of mutual interest.During the meeting, the Ambassador showed keen interest in Assam’s diverse facets, interacting with the Minister on the state’s rich natural heritage, culture and its ongoing development journey. The Minister presented an overview of Assam’s potential, including its strides in sustainable development and public welfare initiatives.Both sides discussed strengthening mutual cooperation, with a special focus on women’s wellbeing, health systems strengthening and…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the martyrs of the historic Assam Movement on the occasion of Swahid Diwas, recalling their sacrifice and reaffirming the Union Government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests and aspirations that shaped the movement. In a message shared on social media, the Prime Minister said the Assam Movement holds an important place in India’s history and continues to shape the identity of the State. “Today, on Swahid Diwas, we recall the valour of all those who were a part of the Assam Movement. The movement will always have a prime place in our history. We…