Dibrugarh: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Member of Parliament for Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency, Sarbananda Sonowal, was sworn in as an ex-officio member of the Digboi and Makum Municipalities today. The ceremony marked a significant step in Sonowal’s continued commitment to the development and progress of his constituency.
In his address, Sonowal emphasized Dibrugarh’s historical prosperity and its economic significance due to its abundant resources, including tea, coal, wood, and petroleum. He recalled the region’s status as one of India’s wealthiest districts even before independence and highlighted the neglect it faced under successive Congress governments post-independence.
“The revitalization of Dibrugarh has been a result of the proactive measures taken during the Vajpayee and Modi administrations,” Sonowal stated. He praised the improvements in infrastructure across rail, road, air, and water connectivity, which have spurred industrialization and youth employment in the region. He underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inclusive development agenda of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” which has guided these advancements.
Sonowal highlighted the pivotal role of Digboi and Makum Municipalities in driving comprehensive infrastructure development. He noted that the Digboi Municipality has earned national acclaim and that efforts are underway to expand the capacity of Digboi Refinery, Asia’s oldest oil refinery. “The previous government’s lack of foresight and goodwill resulted in neglecting the refinery’s capacity expansion. Prime Minister Modi’s historic initiative aims to increase its capacity from 0.69 million tonnes to 1 million tonnes, recognizing its significance and heritage,” he explained.
The Union Minister outlined his vision for inclusive development across various ethnic groups within the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency. He emphasized the focus on youth, women, farmers, and economically disadvantaged sectors as priority pillars for comprehensive development. “Our goal is to elevate Assam’s infrastructure alongside Dibrugarh to unprecedented heights, empowering youth through advanced technology, development, employment, and skill enhancement,” Sonowal remarked.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the peace, harmony, progress, and prosperity of the region, promising continued efforts to boost industrialization, enhance agricultural exports, improve waterway infrastructure, promote the sports sector, and advance skill training. Sonowal expressed his dedication to elevating the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency to a prominent position nationally, emphasizing its potential in tea tourism, medical tourism, and river tourism.