With an aim at promoting clean energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Assam Bioethanol Plant and laid foundation stone for polypropylene plant at Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) at Golaghat in Assam.
Shri Modi stated that today marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a developed Assam and a developed India. He announced that projects worth approximately Rs 18,000 crore have been allocated to Assam. He noted that earlier in the day, he was in Darrang where he laid the foundation stones for connectivity and health-related projects. He further added that in the current location, he has inaugurated and laid the foundation for energy security-related projects, which will further strengthen Assam’s path to development.
Highlighting that Assam is a land that strengthens India’s energy capabilities, the Prime Minister remarked that the petroleum products originating from Assam contribute significantly to the nation’s development. He stated that their government is committed to elevating this strength to new heights. Shri Modi informed that prior to arriving at the current venue, he attended another programme nearby where he inaugurated a modern plant that produces bio-ethanol from bamboo, describing it as a matter of great pride for Assam. Alongside the inauguration of the ethanol plant, he also laid the foundation stone for a polypropylene plant. He emphasized that these projects will boost industrial growth in Assam, accelerate the state’s development, and create new opportunities for farmers and youth and extended his congratulations to all for these initiatives.
Noting that India is simultaneously working on discovering new reserves of crude oil and gas within the country while also enhancing its green energy capabilities, Shri Modi recalled his announcement from the Red Fort regarding the ‘Samudra Manthan’ initiative. He highlighted expert assessments suggesting that India’s seas may hold substantial reserves of oil and gas. To ensure these resources are harnessed for national development, the Prime Minister also mentioned the launch of the National Deepwater Exploration Mission.
“In the changing times, India requires alternative fuels to reduce dependence on oil and gas”, emphasised the PM, highlighting ethanol as one such viable option. He informed that a new plant producing ethanol from bamboo has been inaugurated, and emphasized that this initiative will greatly benefit farmers and tribal communities in Assam.
Stating that arrangements are being made to ensure a steady supply of bamboo for operating the bio-ethanol plant, Shri Modi highlighted that the government will support local farmers in cultivating bamboo and will also procure it directly. He informed that small units related to bamboo chipping will be established in the region. The Prime Minister announced that approximately Rs 200 crore will be spent annually in this sector. He emphasized that this single plant will benefit thousands of people in the area.
Remarking that people use a wide range of plastic items in their daily lives, such as buckets, mugs, boxes, chairs, tables, and packaging materials, the Prime Minister explained that all these products require polypropylene, without which modern life is difficult to imagine. He highlighted that polypropylene is used to manufacture carpets, ropes, bags, fibers, masks, medical kits, and textiles, and also plays a vital role in the automotive sector as well as in producing medical and agricultural equipment. Shri Modi announced that Assam has received the gift of a modern polypropylene plant. He stated that this plant will strengthen the foundation of ‘Make in Assam’ and ‘Make in India’, and will also boost other manufacturing industries in the region.
Underscoring that the nation is demonstrating exceptional commitment towards the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign, and Assam is one of its key centres, Shri Modi expressed strong confidence in Assam’s capabilities and said that the state has been chosen for a major national initiative the Semiconductor Mission. He explained that his trust in Assam stems from its proven potential, citing how Assam Tea, once relatively unknown during colonial times, was transformed into a global brand by the land and people of Assam. The PM emphasized that in this new era, India’s self-reliance depends on two critical sectors: energy and semiconductors, and Assam is playing a vital role in both.
Shri Modi highlighted that a semiconductor factory is rapidly being constructed in Morigaon, with an investment of Rs 27,000 crore. He stated that this is a matter of great pride for Assam.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi stated that their government is actively preserving numerous symbols and sites associated with Assam’s rich culture and history for future generations. He remarked that this initiative is not only benefiting Assam’s heritage but also expanding the scope of tourism in the state. The Prime Minister emphasized that as tourism grows in Assam, it will generate greater employment opportunities for the youth.
He highlighted that the construction of permanent houses for the poor in Assam is progressing rapidly, with over 20 lakh houses already provided. He further noted that the initiative to supply tap water to every household in Assam is also advancing at a fast pace.
“A new era of development has begun in Assam and Assam is poised to become a major centre for trade and tourism”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He concluded by affirming the collective resolve to build a developed Assam and a developed India by once again extending his best wishes to all for the development projects.
