DIBRUGARH: Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is set to inaugurate the country’s biggest Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) colony, coming up at Naharkatia in Dibrugarh district during Magh Bihu in January.
The sprawling colony, nestled on 32 bighas of land within the serene environs of Namsang tea estate near the Assam-Arunachal border, is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 4 crore. The colony boasts 113 housing units, offering a comprehensive range of amenities, including a children’s park, an Anganwadi centre, solar-powered systems, a technical training centre, and access to clean drinking water. Notably, the colony will also feature provisions for animal rearing, poultry and beekeeping, creating an ideal environment for sustainable living.
Dibrugarh district commissioner Bikram Kairi, while taking stock of the progress of work on Saturday, said, “This is going to be the largest PMAY colony in the country with 113 housing units. At present, the biggest PMAY colony is in Uttar Pradesh with 100 housing units. This is an integrated colony with all facilities. The project is almost complete. Only painting work of the houses needs to be done and it will be finished within a week.”
Naharkatia MLA Taranga Gogoi, who was present at the site, announced an ambitious plan to transform the banks of the picturesque Burhidihing river, located near Namsang, into a flourishing tourist destination.
“The Burhidihing riverbank with its serene surroundings and abundant natural beauty possesses all the necessary ingredients to become a major tourist hotspot. We will develop it as a tourist destination,” he said.
“Our aim is not only to attract tourists but also to create employment opportunities for the young population. By harnessing the potential of the riverbank, we can generate a range of job opportunities that will uplift the local economy,” he said.
The proposed plans include setting up eco-friendly resorts, adventure sports facilities and recreational centres alongside the river. “We also intend to collaborate with private investors to establish restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops to further enhance the tourist experience,” Gogoi said.
