Umrangso set for Rs 11,000-crore cement plant as Assam pushes industrial growth in Assam's Dima Hasao

Assam is set to get an Rs 11,000-crore integrated cement manufacturing plant in Dima Hasao, with JK Lakshmi Cement Limited launching its first project in the state at Umrangso on October 30.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the bhumi pujan ceremony for the company's proposed plant at 19 Kilo village, marking the launch of Project Kamakshi. The facility is expected to have an annual production capacity of around six million metric tonnes.

The ceremony was attended by Industries Minister Bimal Borah, Dima Hasao Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Debolal Gorlosa, and JK Lakshmi Cement Chairperson and Managing Director Vinita Singhania, among others. Traditional performances by Dimasa and Karbi artistes marked the occasion, followed by a presentation on the project by company President and Director Dr Arun Shukla.

Addressing the gathering, Sarma said the Advantage Assam initiative had attracted investment proposals worth Rs 5.15 lakh crore, of which proposals worth around Rs 3.15 lakh crore had been translated into investments over the past two years.

He described the Umrangso project as a significant addition to the state's industrial landscape and said it could generate employment and create opportunities for businesses linked to the plant.

60 per cent royalty share for Autonomous Council

A key announcement concerned the distribution of royalty revenue from the industrial project. Sarma said 60 per cent of the royalty generated would go directly to the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, while the remaining 40 per cent would be borne by the state government.

He said the Council's share would be exempt from taxation. The chief minister also said a communication would be sent to the Autonomous Council in the coming days, outlining the potential annual royalty revenue from industrial establishments in the district.

Sarma said the project could generate jobs beyond direct employment at the plant, with transport operators, retailers and other ancillary businesses also expected to benefit as industrial activity expands.

CM pitches Umrangso as tourism destination

The chief minister also underlined Umrangso's tourism potential, urging local residents to develop homestays, eco-friendly hotels and resorts to attract visitors.

He called for the region's traditional cuisine and cultural heritage to be showcased to tourists and encouraged local entrepreneurs to take the lead in building tourism infrastructure rather than waiting for outside investors.

Sarma also raised the possibility of an airport in the region, saying discussions with the Centre could be initiated if either Karbi Anglong or Dima Hasao showed interest in pursuing the proposal. Improved air connectivity, he said, could help increase tourist arrivals.

Referring to investments by industrial groups, including Dalmia, Adani-Ambuja, Star, JK Lakshmi and Jindal, the chief minister said the projects could collectively reshape Dima Hasao's economic landscape once they become operational.

Dr Shukla said JK Lakshmi Cement intended to contribute to the development of the Northeast, particularly Assam, and become a partner in the state's growth.

The project is expected to add to industrial activity and revenue generation in Dima Hasao. Its impact on local communities, however, will depend on implementation, employment opportunities for residents and their participation in the economic activities emerging around the plant.