Guwahati, November 2: The Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC) is projected to receive around Rs 1,014 crore annually from limestone mining in the hill district, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said.
In a post on social media platform X on Monday, Sarma said 13 limestone blocks in Dima Hasao had been auctioned to leading cement companies. He described the auctions as transparent.
According to the Chief Minister's estimates, the auctions could generate approximately Rs 84,500 crore over the next 50 years, translating into an average annual revenue of around Rs 1,690 crore. Of this, 60 per cent, or approximately Rs 1,014 crore annually, would go directly to the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council.
Sarma described the proposed revenue-sharing arrangement as a step towards strengthening the council's financial autonomy. He said the direct share would provide the local body with substantial resources for development and reduce its dependence on the state and Central governments for every financial requirement.
Referring to Dima Hasao's history of insurgency, the Chief Minister argued that business and economic development could benefit indigenous areas when local institutions receive a direct share of the revenue. He also criticised opposition to commercial activities in indigenous regions.
However, the Rs 1,014-crore figure is a projection based on the Chief Minister's estimated revenue over 50 years, not a confirmed annual collection. Actual revenue would depend on mining operations, production and the realisation of proceeds.
The proposed expansion of limestone mining and cement industry projects in the Umrangso area has also drawn concerns from sections of the local population over possible effects on land, forests, water resources and the environment.
