Assam - The Purbottar

17 Jan

More than 220 illegal “rat hole” coal mines were discovered at Umrangso

Banasree SarkarAssamUmrangso

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday that at least 220 illegal "rat hole" coal mines had been found in the vicinity of the flooded mine at Umrangso in the Dima Hasao district of Assam, where nine workers were trapped on January 6. Following a cabinet meeting in the Morigaon district of central Assam, Sarma informed reporters that the government would examine satellite data on how and when these mines arose in order to take the appropriate action. According to a report submitted by the district administration of Dima Hasao, many animals also perished after falling into these open…

17 Jan

BJP’s Assam unit welcomes Dilip Saikia as new president

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

MP Dilip Saikia, representing the Darrang–Udalguri Lok Sabha constituency, has been appointed as the new president of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Assam unit. The announcement was made on January 16, following a series of high-level consultations among senior party leaders. Earlier in the day, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hinted at the development, stating that the name of the new state BJP president would be disclosed by Thursday evening. CM Sarma also clarified that the appointee would not be contesting the upcoming Assembly elections, ensuring a dedicated focus on organizational leadership. The nomination process concluded at 7 PM,…

16 Jan

Gaurav Gogoi urges action on China’s hydropower dam project

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has raised alarm over China’s plan to construct the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which flows into India as the Brahmaputra. In a letter addressed to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Gogoi emphasized the critical national security and water security challenges posed by this development, particularly for Assam and other northeastern states. The hydropower project, approved by China on December 25, has sparked fears of strategic control over the Brahmaputra’s water flow. Gogoi warned that China could manipulate the river’s flow, intensifying seasonal floods in Assam while creating water shortages during drier months.…

16 Jan

In Demow, Magh Bihu celebrated with fanfare and joy

Banasree SarkarAssamMagh Bihu

Demow and the neighboring districts celebrated Magh Bihu with great fanfare. People flocked to the markets on Monday to purchase a variety of meats, seafood, and other necessities for the communal meal. In Demow and the surrounding territories, communal feasts were organized during the Uruka, or night. The Mejis, or bonfires, were burned early on Tuesday morning, and individuals took blessings in front of them after taking a bath. Curd (Doi), Beaten Rice (Chira), Jaggery (Gur), various Pithas, larus, and other Bhogali Bihu specialties were then consumed. On Tuesday, the "Bhogali Anikha" was held on the grounds of Majar Chuk…

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.…