Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has projected an annual revenue of around Rs 1,014 crore for the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC) from proposed limestone mining arrangements in the district.
In a post on X, Sarma said 13 limestone blocks had been auctioned transparently to leading cement companies. The auctions were expected to generate approximately Rs 84,500 crore over 50 years, translating into an estimated annual revenue of Rs 1,690 crore.
Under the proposed revenue-sharing arrangement, 60 per cent of the proceeds, or around Rs 1,014 crore annually, would go directly to the DHAC, according to the Chief Minister.
Sarma described the arrangement as an example of financial autonomy, saying it would enable the local council to access substantial funds without relying on the state or central governments for every financial requirement.
Referring to Dima Hasao’s history of insurgency, he said the proposed economic activity demonstrated how business and development could benefit indigenous areas when local institutions received a direct share of revenue.
The Chief Minister also criticised opposition to business activities in indigenous areas, arguing that the limestone auctions could provide the district with a substantial source of long-term income.
The projected revenue and proposed sharing arrangement were outlined in Sarma’s social media post.
