GUWAHATI, Aug 28 - Underlining the strategic importance of inter-state border roads adjoining the hilly terrain of Assam with neighbouring northeastern states, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today directed the border areas development department to focus more on improving surface connectivity in the hilly tracts of Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong and Kamrup districts.
Reviewing the inter-state border development activities at Janata Bhawan here today, the Chief Minister asked the border areas development department to spend the allocated budget amount for construction of all-weather roads in the three hilly districts and the Lampi area of Kamrup district.
Terming poor roads in 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 local people and promoting tourism.
Stating that improved connectivity would foster unity and integrity, and dissuade hatred, encroachment and prejudice, Sonowal said it would also promote mutual interest of Assam and neighbouring states in the border areas.
The Chief Minister also directed the officials of the department to draft a proposal for construction of four-lane roads in border areas, especially in the hilly districts. Sonowal said that he will take up the projects with the North Eastern Council (NEC) for sanctioning of the proposals.
Keeping in mind the importance of exchange of culture and ideas for mutual growth of Assam with its neighbouring states, Sonowal directed the department to prepare a plan for execution of border outreach programmes at Dudhnoi in Goalpara district for the Assam-Meghalaya border and Jonai in Dhemaji district for the Assam-Arunachal border.