Himanta Biswa Sarma visits Dhubri site for 3,400 MW thermal plant after Kokrajhar exit

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday visited Chirakuta Charuwa Bakra in Dhubri district, the newly proposed site for a 3,400 MW thermal power plant, after the original plan in Kokrajhar was dropped amid protests over tribal land concerns.

The site, sprawling over 3,300 bighas under Bilasipara subdivision, was inspected by the CM to assess its suitability for the state’s flagship power project. The proposed plant is expected to play a key role in helping Assam meet its growing energy demand, which is projected to reach 5,000 MW by 2030 and 7,000 MW by 2035.

Interacting with local residents during the visit, Sarma assured that all eligible landholders will be compensated and rehabilitated in accordance with government policy. “We are committed to ensuring that no one suffers due to this development. Rehabilitation grants will be provided as per norms,” the CM said.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the project, Sarma stated, “Our goal is to make Assam self-reliant in power generation and turn the state into a regional hub for thermal energy.”

Also Read: Assam: 150 arrested, mastermind identified in Dhubri communal disturbances

The state cabinet had approved the Assam Thermal Power Generation Project Promotion Policy 2025 in May to encourage large-scale investments in the sector. Sarma said tenders for the 3,400 MW plant would be floated soon and that the project will generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities for local youth.

Notably, the government had earlier planned to set up the plant in Kokrajhar. However, amid stiff resistance from locals who alleged it would encroach upon tribal land, the project was scrapped. “We don’t want to go ahead with the project in Kokrajhar if it means being blamed for targeting tribal land,” Sarma had said on Sunday.

With the new location finalised in Dhubri, the Chief Minister said the foundation stone will likely be laid in November 2025, marking a major milestone in Assam’s power infrastructure development. He appealed to the people of Dhubri to support the project for the greater good of the state.