Govt Allocates ₹1100 Crore for Inland Waterways & Ayush Projects

To boost connectivity and infrastructure in the Northeast region, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has announced a substantial grant of over ₹1,100 crore for the development of 25 inland waterways projects and Ayush projects worth more than ₹125 crore set to be launched in Assam by January 2024. The emphasis is on expediting critical projects to ensure their completion by January 2024.

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Assam Leads in Inland Waterways Development

In the regional breakdown of allocated funds, Assam stands out with Rs 850 crore earmarked to support 15 crucial inland waterways projects. Minister Sonowal stressed the significance of these projects for the state’s overall development.

Key Project Highlights and Directives

Floating Jetties: A directive has been issued to complete seven floating jetties strategically located in Assam, including Jogighopa, Pandu, Biswanath, Nimati, Bindhakata, Uriamghat, and Sadiya.
Permanent Jetties: Significant projects, such as permanent jetties at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh and the renovation of a jetty at Badarpur in Karimganj, are in progress. Additionally, the construction of a permanent jetty at Sonamura in Tripura is proceeding on schedule.
Brahmaputra and Barak Rivers: Minister Sonowal reviewed the progress of 15 floating jetties on the Brahmaputra and 15 on the Barak River. He emphasized the importance of regular dredging at 88 identified shallow passages on the Brahmaputra to ensure smooth ship passage.
Completion Timeline: Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Transformation via Transportation,’ the Minister underscored the commitment to making these crucial projects operational by January 2024.

Ayush Ministry’s Thrust on Health and Wellness

In tandem with the inland waterways projects, Minister Sonowal highlighted the initiatives spearheaded by the Ministry of Ayush in the Northeast region.

Overview of Ayush Projects

Project Allocation: The Ministry of Ayush is executing projects valued at Rs 286 crore in the Northeast, with a directive to elevate and expedite these endeavors.
Health Infrastructure: A foundation stone laying ceremony is scheduled for January 2024 for a Yoga and Naturopathy hospital in Dibrugarh and a new building for the Regional Research Institute of Homoeopathy in Guwahati. The combined worth of these projects is Rs 114.99 crores.
Ayush Education and Wellness Centers: Among the approved 830 Ayush Health and Wellness centers in the region, 495 are already operational. Progress is evident in health infrastructure with nine out of 33 integrated Ayush hospitals now functional.
Institutional Support: The Ayush Ministry is actively backing eight Ayush education undergraduate and postgraduate institutions, with approvals granted for three new Ayush institutes in Sikkim, Manipur, and Assam. The focus remains on advancing health and wellness in the Northeast through these strategic initiatives.

Shubham Mittal

Shubham Mittal is a renowned current affairs writer and expert in government exam preparation, inspiring readers with insightful articles and guiding aspirants with his expertise.

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