We remain committed to liberating every inch of Assam’s land from encroachment: Chief Minister
Chief Minister attends fourth Foundation Day celebration of Gorukhuti Multipurpose Agriculture Project
Gorukhuti Project represents a symbol of Assamese self-reliance: Chief Minister
Deliberations underway for the establishment of an agricultural science institute at Gorukhuti
Integrated Aqua Park to be developed on 533 bighas of project land under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
Honorarium of Krishi Sainiks associated with the project to be enhanced
Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma today attended the fourth Foundation Day celebration of the Gorukhuti Multipurpose Agriculture Project, describing the initiative as a symbol of Assamese self-reliance. He also inaugurated a newly constructed bridge built under the Public Works Department within the project framework.
Reflecting on his earlier visit to Gorukhuti on 7 June 2021, shortly after assuming office, Dr. Sarma recalled that the experience led to a Cabinet decision to remove encroachers from the area and launch the multipurpose agricultural project. He referenced the tragic loss of 23 lives during an eviction attempt in 1983 in the Darrang–Sipajhar region and remarked that the local population had long harboured aspirations of seeing Gorukhuti free from encroachment. The successful eviction carried out under the current government, he noted, instilled the confidence necessary to undertake similar actions elsewhere in the state.
Citing eviction operations in Borchola, Lumding, Burapahar, Batadrava, Chapar, and Paikan, the Chief Minister stated that the government has reclaimed approximately 1.29 lakh bighas of land from illegal encroachment, and that these lands are now being put to varied uses. He remarked that the return of wildlife such as rhinos and tigers to Orang, and elephants to the forests of Lumding, signals a restoration of ecological balance. A solar energy project is underway in Borchola, while the eviction at Burapahar has created new spaces for elephant and tiger movement. He observed that Paikan, once home to teak and sal trees, is beginning to witness a regeneration of green cover. He affirmed that the land reclamation efforts would continue, with eviction drives soon to commence at Uriamghat in Golaghat district.
Highlighting the progress of the Gorukhuti initiative, Dr. Sarma noted that the project has generated approximately Rs. 5.05 crore in revenue in its fourth year and currently holds deposits of around Rs. 7.64 crore. He described it as laying the foundation for a new model of self-sufficiency, built on cattle and pig farming, handloom production, and other activities. He added that the government is considering the establishment of an agricultural science institute at Gorukhuti to equip the youth with training in modern organic farming techniques. He also announced that, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, the Department of Fisheries has launched a scheme to develop an integrated aqua park across 533 bighas of land in the project area. In addition, he cited a Rs. 2,000 increase in the monthly honorarium paid to the Krishi Sainiks involved in the project.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister visited the Basudev Namghar at Gorukhuti, where he offered prayers and sought blessings for the welfare of the people of Assam. He also participated in a tree plantation drive, sowed pumpkin seeds in the agricultural fields, and distributed bicycles to Krishi Sainiks to facilitate their travel. Moreover, he extended financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh to the family of Pabitra Bharali, who lost his life in a tractor accident while on duty within the Gorukhuti project.
The event was also attended by MLA and Chairman of the Gorukhuti Multipurpose Agriculture Project Padma Hazarika, MLAs Dr. Paramananda Rajbongshi and Basanta Das, former MLA and Chairman of the Assam Fisheries Development Corporation Gurujyoti Das, social worker Mukunda Deka, and other dignitaries.
