Krishnendu Paul seeks suggestions, prominent citizens join hands to shape Barak Valley’s development roadmap

way2barak, June 28 :– The Assam Government has invited the active participation of eminent citizens, professionals and civil society representatives in shaping the future development of Barak Valley, with Guardian Minister of Cachar and Minister for Barak Valley Development Department , Krishnendu Paul on Sunday assuring that public suggestions would play a key role in the region’s development planning.

Addressing an interaction programme with prominent citizens at Cachar Club, Silchar, organised by the Barak Valley Development Department, the Minister said the State Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, is committed to ensuring balanced and inclusive development across Assam, with Barak Valley occupying an important place in that vision.

The consultation brought together leading personalities from different walks of life, including intellectuals, retired civil servants, academicians, lawyers, scholars, social activists, doctors, professionals and representatives of civil society. The interactive session provided an open platform for participants to share their views, identify local priorities and suggest practical measures for the district’s long-term development.

Minister Krishnendu Paul said the purpose of the meeting was to listen directly to the people and benefit from their experience and knowledge. He assured the gathering that every constructive suggestion received during the consultation would be examined carefully and incorporated into future planning and implementation wherever feasible.

Expressing his gratitude to the Chief Minister for entrusting him with the responsibility of the Barak Valley Development Department, the Minister said the department would work with dedication to accelerate development across the region in close coordination with all stakeholders.

Referring to the State’s ongoing development initiatives, he said Assam is steadily progressing towards becoming one of the leading economic centres of the Northeast through programmes such as Atmanirbhar Assam. He also highlighted the expansion of rural road connectivity under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), stating that several projects are under implementation while many more are in the pipeline.

The Minister also spoke about the proposed development of Son Beel, saying the initiative has the potential to expand fish production, encourage exports and generate new livelihood opportunities for local communities while strengthening the rural economy.

Highlighting key welfare initiatives, Minister Krishnendu Paul said the Government aims to provide safe drinking water to every household by 2028 under the Jal Jeevan Mission with a targeted supply of 55 litres of potable water per family each day. He also stressed the continued importance of the Swachh Bharat Mission in improving sanitation, hygiene and public health.

While addressing the gathering, Minister for food Public Distribution, Consumer Affairs Housing and urban affairs and Cooperation, Kaushik Rai said the Barak Valley Development Department has been entrusted with monitoring and coordinating the implementation of development projects across different government departments to ensure timely execution and effective delivery of public services.

Speaking on one of Silchar’s major civic concerns, Minister Kaushik Rai said urban flooding remains among the Government’s highest priorities. He observed that large-scale encroachment on natural drainage channels and khals has aggravated waterlogging across the town, making eviction drives necessary for restoring the drainage network.

“It will take time, but the encroachments will be cleared,” the Minister said while outlining the Government’s approach to resolving the long-standing problem.

Minister Rai also informed that elections to the proposed Silchar Municipal Corporation are likely to be held before Durga Puja, adding that preparation of electoral rolls is already in progress.

Providing updates on major infrastructure projects, he announced that work on the proposed Silchar flyover is expected to commence shortly. Preliminary activities, including soil testing by the Public Works Department, will begin before construction starts.

He further informed that repair work on the Birbal Bazaar-Silchar Medical College and Hospital road would also commence shortly to improve connectivity for commuters and patients.

The interaction witnessed active participation from members of the audience, who offered suggestions on infrastructure, urban planning, public services, environmental management, education, healthcare and employment generation. Participants welcomed the initiative, describing it as a constructive platform for direct dialogue between policymakers and the public.

The meeting was attended by the Silchar Member of Parliament, Parimal Suklabaidya, Silchar MLA Dr. Rajdeep Roy, Borkhola MLA, Kishor Nath, Sonai MLA Aminul Haque Laskar, Katigorah MLA, Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, Udharbond MLA Rajdeep Goala and Dholai MLA Amiya Kanti Das, Padma Shri awardee and eminent oncologist Dr. Ravi Kannan, former Silchar MLA Dipayan Chakraborty, former Udharbond MLA, Mihir Kanti Shom, former Dholai MLA Nihar Ranjan Nath, senior officials and several distinguished citizens from across the district.

The programme was organised by the Barak Valley Development Department under the supervision of Additional Secretary Aditya Vikram Yadav, IAS.

This is stated in a press release issued by Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.