Assam - The Purbottar

16 Jan

Assam govt digitises rare Assamese manuscripts, books

editorAssam

Over 1.28 million pages of rare manuscripts, journals, and books in Assamese have been digitised. This marks a significant milestone in safeguarding and promoting Assamese literature, said Narayan Sharma, president of the Assam Jatiya Bidyalay (AJB) Educational and Socio-Economic Trust. The digitisation work was done over 36 months, he said.

15 Jan

Assam mine tragedy: 5 workers still trapped as rescue work continues

editorAssam

Dewatering continued in the coal quarry in Assam's Dima Hasao district, with the authorities failing to trace the five workers who are still trapped inside for 10 days, officials said on Wednesday. Water was pumped out of the mine using machines brought by the ONGC and Coal India, and the water level has gone down considerably.

15 Jan

Assam CM visits Rani Chapori; witnesses its diverse cultivation

editorAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday visited Rani Chapori in Dharapur, Kamrup district and witnessed the flourishing cultivation of diverse crops by the farmers of the area in the sprawling sand bar on the Brahmaputra river. He suggested multi-pronged strategies for the development of the Chapori including its farmers. The CM spent around 2.5 hours in Chapori, talking to the farmers, and listening to their problems. He also said that state government will take steps in allotting land pattas to the farmers who are cultivating chapori. CM Sarma upon reaching Chapori by boat and tractor, covered a sizeable…

15 Jan

Rani Chapori to get solar power and land rights in new development initiative

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has unveiled a comprehensive development plan for Rani Chapori in Dharapur, focusing on erosion control, solar power implementation, and land rights for residents. Addressing the community's concerns, the Chief Minister assured swift action to curb erosion, a persistent issue affecting the region. “The government is committed to addressing erosion challenges and ensuring long-term solutions,” Sarma stated. To enhance energy infrastructure, the government plans to install solar power solutions within 30-40 days, offering residents a sustainable energy source.A survey is also underway to facilitate the distribution of land deeds, a move aimed at securing land…

14 Jan

Magh Bihu celebrated across Assam with fervor

editorAssam

Assambcelebrated the annual harvest festival Magh Bihu with great traditional fervour on Tuesday as people burnt traditional Meji (bonfire) in the morning. The bonfires are usually made with firewood, green bamboo, hay, and dried banana leaves. On the occasion, young people take blessings (Ashirbad) from elders, reinforcing bonds of respect and love within families. Across the state, traditional sports such as buffalo fights, cockfights, egg-breaking competitions, and Tekeli Bhanga (breaking of pots) are also held. People prepare a variety of mouthwatering delicacies made from rice, including pithas, laddoos, and a host of other traditional dishes, which are served generously to…

14 Jan

Assam CM urges students to adapt to AI, robotics, and quantum physics

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed his firm belief that the youth of the state will play a pivotal role in shaping its future, particularly by embracing new technologies and innovation. Speaking at a gathering where he felicitated 1,517 meritorious students from his Jalukbari constituency, Sarma highlighted the government's focus on empowering the younger generation with the skills needed to thrive in the ever-evolving global landscape. Sarma emphasized the importance of keeping pace with technological advancements, urging students to stay relevant by adapting to fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, 3D printing, augmented reality, and quantum physics.…

13 Jan

Assam Guv, CM greet people on ‘Bhogali Bihu’

editorAssam

Assam Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma extended greetings to people of the state on the occasion of 'Bhogali Bihu’, beginning from Monday.''The festive celebration embodies the spirit of unity, brotherhood and camaraderie, transcending boundaries of caste, creed, religion, and language'', the governor said in a statement. ‘Bhogali Bihu’ is a vibrant festival of feasting, fun and mutual respect, where 'mejis' (different structures made from hay) play an important role in making the festival unique, he said.

13 Jan

Centre approves oil drilling in Assam’s Hoollongapar Sanctuary

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Centre's wildlife panel has approved oil and gas exploratory drilling within the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Assam’s Jorhat district. The approval was granted during a meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, on December 21. The project, proposed by Vedanta Group's Cairn Oil & Gas, had earlier received a recommendation from Assam’s principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden in August 2024. The Forest Advisory Committee of the Union Environment Ministry also granted in-principle approval during its…

13 Jan

Panchayati Polls to be held in Assam in April

editorAssam

The Gauhati High Court allowed panchayat elections in Assam except in areas mentioned in nine petitions through which the delimitation exercise was challenged in the court. A bench of Justice Soumitra Saikia gave the verdict on Friday, and a copy of the order was made available on Sunday. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said panchayat polls can now be held only after completion of class 10 and 12 board examinations, in late March or mid-April.

13 Jan

Oil and gas exploratory drilling to begin in Assam’s Jorhat soon

editorAssam

The Centre's wildlife panel has approved a proposal to carry out oil and gas exploration in the eco-sensitive zone of the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam's Jorhat district. The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, approved the proposal by Vedanta Group's Cairn Oil & Gas during its meeting on December 21, according to the minutes of the meeting. Assam’s principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden had recommended clearance for the project in August last year, citing "national interest".