In a major setback to Assam’s infrastructure push, the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has scrapped four long-pending projects worth nearly Rs 20 crore, citing dismal progress and non-completion. With this foreclosure, the state government has been directed to refund Rs 7.68 crore to the Centre, raising serious questions about the utilization of development funds. The decision came during the 58th meeting of the Empowered Inter-Ministerial Committee (EIMC) of NESIDS-OTRI held recently in New Delhi. Officials noted that despite repeated extensions and substantial financial releases, the projects had failed to show meaningful outcomes.
The four scrapped projects include: Haflong Water Supply Scheme, Dima Hasao – Sanctioned ₹1.42 crore, received ₹0.65 crore; negligible work completed. Greater Mahur Town Water Supply Scheme, Dima Hasao – Sanctioned ₹5.12 crore in 2006, received ₹1.61 crore; no significant progress. Improvement of Denow-Dehing Road (10.125 km) with RCC bridge, Demow sub-division – Sanctioned ₹7.60 crore in 2012, received ₹5.42 crore; major delays due to contractor payment issues.
Construction of road from NH-31 to Kashimpur Suplekuchi – Sanctioned ₹5.63 crore; foreclosure recommended “as is where is.” The worst hit is Dima Hasao district, where two crucial drinking water projects—Haflong and Greater Mahur—have been shelved, leaving residents without basic amenities. Inspectors reported that the Haflong scheme scored just 5 points on outcome assessment, with one of its water sources washed away in a natural calamity and its Chemical House lying unused.
