The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Member of Parliament for Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, recently outlined a comprehensive vision for the development of his constituency. Speaking as an ex-officio member of Digboi and Makum municipalities, he emphasised the historical and economic significance of Dibrugarh, one of India’s wealthiest districts before independence, thanks to its abundant resources such as tea, coal, wood, and petroleum.
During his address, Sonowal highlighted the long-standing neglect of Dibrugarh by successive Congress governments post-independence. He credited the revitalisation of the region to the proactive measures undertaken during the Vajpayee and Modi administrations, which have significantly advanced rail, road, air, and water connectivity. This infrastructure boom has spurred industrialisation and youth employment in Dibrugarh, reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inclusive development agenda of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”
Sonowal stressed the pivotal role of Digboi and Makum municipalities in driving comprehensive infrastructure development in their respective areas. He noted that Digboi Municipality has earned national acclaim for its efforts, and there are ongoing initiatives to expand the capacity of the Digboi Refinery, Asia’s oldest oil refinery. This expansion, from 0.69 million tonnes to 1 million tonnes, is a significant step under PM Modi’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Assam. He criticised previous governments for their lack of foresight and goodwill, which led to the neglect of the Digboi Refinery’s capacity expansion. Sonowal praised the current administration’s historic initiative to recognise the refinery’s heritage and importance by increasing its capacity.
Sonowal outlined a vision for inclusive development across different ethnic groups and assembly constituencies within the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency. He identified youth, women, farmers, and economically disadvantaged sectors as priority pillars for comprehensive development. “The goal is to propel Assam’s infrastructure, alongside Dibrugarh, to unprecedented heights. Emphasising the empowerment of youth through advanced technology, development, employment, and skill enhancement, is crucial as the youth are the nation’s superpower,” he stated.
Sonowal reaffirmed the commitment to peace, harmony, progress, and prosperity for all sections of society. He sought the love and blessings of people from all walks of life across Barak-Brahmaputra and Pahar-Bhaiyyam regions. In the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency, known for its tea tourism, medical tourism, and river tourism, the focus remains on fostering industrialisation, enhancing agricultural exports, improving waterway infrastructure, promoting the sports sector, and advancing skill training. The Union Minister pledged to continue swift efforts to elevate the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency to a prominent position nationally, aligning with the overarching vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
