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Guwahati : Underlining the strategic importance of inter-state border roads adjoining the hilly terrain of Assam with neighbouring north-eastern states, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal directed the Border Areas Development Department to focus more on improving surface connectivity in the hilly tracts of Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong and Kamrup district.
Reviewing the inter-state border development activities at Janata Bhawan in Guwahati on Monday, Sonowal asked the Border Areas Development Department to spend the allocated budget amount for construction of all-weather roads in the hilly districts and Lampi area of Kamrup district.
Stating poor roads at border areas as major deterrent to development, Sonowal said that improved roads would facilitate swift movement of forces for maintenance of law and order and border monitoring, besides opening new business avenues for people living in the border and promoting local tourism.
Further mentioning that improved connectivity would foster unity and integrity and dissuade hatred, encroachment and prejudice, Sonowal said that it would also promote mutual interest of Assam and neighbouring states in the border areas.
The Assam CM also directed the officials of Border Areas Development Department to draft proposal for construction of four lane roads at border areas, especially in the hilly districts.
Sonowal said that he will take up the projects with the NEC for sanctioning of the proposals.
Moreover, keeping in mind the importance of exchange of culture and ideas for mutual growth of Assam with neighbouring states, Sonowal directed the department to prepare plan for execution of border outreach programme at Dudhnoi in Goalpara district for Assam-Meghlaya border and Jonai in Dhemaji district for Assam-Arunachal border.
Highlighting the potentiality of scenic beauty and resources of border areas in terms of tourism, the Assam CM also directed the Border Areas Development Department to take up a project for Unity Home 'A House of Friendship'Â offering food & lodging facilities for people of Assam and other neighbouring states.
Principal Secretary, Border Areas Development Department LS Changsan, Secretary to Chief Minister Solanki Vishal Vasant and other senior officials of the department were present in the meeting.
*(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)*
