BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary launches Rs 73 crore infrastructure push in Assam's Kokrajhar

In a major push to accelerate infrastructure-led growth in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary on Wednesday, February 11, laid the foundation stones for four key development projects in Assam's Kokrajhar under the Special Development Package (SDP), marking a significant investment in sports, culture, handloom and youth empowerment.

The projects, spanning stadium development, a large-scale handloom production hub, upgraded sports galleries, and a state-of-the-art cultural auditorium are collectively aimed at generating employment, strengthening grassroots talent, preserving traditional crafts, and expanding public infrastructure in the region.

The day’s programme began with the foundation stone laying of the Development of DASA Stadium at Dotma, a Rs 15 crore project designed to upgrade sports infrastructure to competitive standards. The stadium will feature a standard football ground, a 400-metre athletic track, irrigation and sprinkler systems, a pavilion with VIP dais, spectator galleries, high-mast floodlighting, electrification, and allied infrastructure. With a seating capacity of 1,500 spectators, the facility is expected to host district and state-level events and nurture emerging sporting talent.

In a significant boost to the region’s traditional weaving sector, Mohilary also laid the foundation stone for a Production and Marketing Centre for Handloom and Textile Products at Haltugaon, estimated at ₹24.31 crore and spread across 50 bighas. The centre will focus on producing high-demand products such as Eri silk sarees, mekhela chador, dokhona, and Eri stoles.

The project aims to revitalise the handloom and textile ecosystem by strengthening production, branding, and marketing channels while preserving indigenous craftsmanship. It is expected to generate employment for nearly 650 people — including 240 direct and around 500 indirect jobs. The integrated facility will include production units, exhibition and workshop spaces, marketing offices, administrative blocks, and other common infrastructure.

Further strengthening sports infrastructure, the BTC Chief laid the foundation stone for the Construction of Audience Galleries for Volleyball and Football venues at KDSA, Kokrajhar, a Rs 4 crore initiative. The project will include separate spectator galleries for volleyball and football along with a dedicated VIP gallery for football, aimed at improving spectator facilities and encouraging organised sporting events and youth participation.

In a major cultural initiative, Mohilary also laid the foundation stone for the Dr Bhupen Hazarika Memorial Multi-Purpose Cultural Auditorium Hall in Kokrajhar, to be built at an estimated cost of Rs 30 crore. The proposed complex will house a 1,500-seat auditorium, museum, audio-visual library, music workshop, and a life-size statue honouring Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. The project is envisioned as a cultural hub to promote art, music, literature, and educational activities while commemorating the legacy of the legendary icon.

Speaking to the media, Mohilary also highlighted a major legislative development, stating that the BTC Assembly had passed the long-awaited bill for the provincialisation of venture schools and colleges in the BTC area during a special session held earlier in the day.

He described the passage of the bill as a landmark step toward stabilising and strengthening the education sector in the region. “We have been pursuing this for years. With the passage of this bill, long-pending issues concerning teaching staff and institutional development — from LP schools to junior colleges — will now be addressed,” he said, while thanking opposition MCLAs for extending their support.

EM Derhasat Basumatary and Prakash Basumatary, MCLAs, Additional Principal Secretary Pranjit Wary, and officials of the concerned departments, among others, were also present on the occasion.