Assam Govt Defends Land Allotment to Cement Firm in Dima Hasao

08 Sep 2025 CW Team

The Assam government has informed the Gauhati High Court that the allotment of 3,000 bighas of land in Dima Hasao district to Mahabal Cement for setting up a cement factory was carried out in accordance with the “due process of law.”

Appearing before the court, Advocate General Devajit Saikia submitted a report prepared by a three-member committee, which examined the land allotment, its suitability and potential implications.

Saikia clarified that the cement company, part of the Trivikram Consortium, had sought 6,000 bighas, of which 3,000 bighas were allotted by the autonomous council in two phases. The land has been leased for a 30-year term at an annual revenue rate of Rs 250 per bigha, along with a one-time premium of Rs 2 lakh per bigha.

He added that construction activities would commence only after obtaining mandatory clearances from the Union Environment and Forest Ministry and the state pollution control board. As per environmental norms, 34 per cent of the land must be retained as a green belt.

Of the total land, 1,782 bighas will be usable for plant operations, including roads, railway sidings, environmental facilities, a solar plant, truck parking, residential areas and open space. Around 554 bighas will remain vacant.

Saikia further stated that the Ceiling Act does not apply to Sixth Schedule districts and the autonomous council has full authority to allot land. “The final decision will rest with the central authorities. An elaborate review will be conducted before clearances are issued. Until then, no construction activity will take place,” he told the court.

The High Court has asked the petitioners to file their response to the affidavit submitted by the state government.

News source: The Assam Tribune

Infrastructure Transport

17 Oct 2025

Sonowal Unveils Eight Projects at NMPA’s Golden Jubilee

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the Curtain Raiser Ceremony of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) at Bharat Mandapam. To commemorate the milestone, he unveiled eight major maritime infrastructure projects designed to strengthen India’s port network, enhance logistics performance, and promote sustainability. These include a modern cruise terminal, new covered storage facilities, a 150-bed multi-speciality hospital, expanded truck terminals, and improved port access infrastructure aimed at enhancing..

India To Boost US LPG Imports, Cut Middle East Reliance

India is planning to reduce imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the Middle East as state-owned refiners prepare to ramp up purchases from the United States, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move aligns with New Delhi’s efforts to expand energy cooperation and secure a broader trade deal with Washington. State refiners have already notified their traditional LPG suppliers in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar of the potential reduction in imports. Although the exact size of the supply cut was not disclosed, earlier reports suggested that Indi..

UK Sanctions Nayara Energy in Crackdown on Russian Oil

The United Kingdom has announced fresh sanctions on 90 entities, including Indian refiner Nayara Energy Limited, in its latest bid to curb Russian oil revenues and weaken President Vladimir Putin’s war funding. The sanctions, unveiled jointly by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the UK Treasury, aim to disrupt networks supporting Moscow’s crude exports amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to the FCDO, the new restrictions are intended to “strike at the heart of Putin’s war funding” by targeting firms and assets that enable Russia’s energy trade. “..