Assam Launches Innovative AAC Block Plant to Utilize Brahmaputra Silt
Transforming River Silt into Industrial Resource
AAC block plant in Tinsukia. (Photo: 'X'/ @himantabiswa)
Guwahati, Oct 29: Assam is set to convert the silt from the Brahmaputra River into a valuable industrial asset. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated a green manufacturing facility in Tinsukia, with an investment of Rs 55 crore, aimed at decreasing dependence on traditional red bricks, preserving agricultural land, and generating jobs in Upper Assam.
The newly established green autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) block plant, operated by Litebricks Pvt. Ltd, will utilize river sediments as the primary material for producing construction blocks.
“Today marks the launch of the green AAC block plant in Tinsukia with an investment of Rs 55 crore. This facility is significant as it transforms challenges into opportunities. We typically do not utilize Brahmaputra silt, but by employing these sediments for AAC block production, we can reduce red brick usage, thereby safeguarding agricultural land,” Sarma stated.
He emphasized that the initiative would also create job opportunities and stimulate business through the extraction and transport of river sediments.
This plant is part of the investments garnered through the Advantage Assam 2.0 initiative, the state government's investment and infrastructure summit, which has attracted commitments exceeding Rs 5.18 lakh crore (approximately USD 54.74 billion).
Sarma noted that projects worth around Rs 3.1 lakh crore are progressing, with about 60% of them reaching advanced stages.
“Upper Assam holds untapped potential for industrial growth. I hope the local population will welcome these industries,” he added.
Among the key projects highlighted by the Chief Minister was the expansion of Numaligarh Refinery Ltd, which is being upgraded from a capacity of three million metric tonnes to nine million metric tonnes, with an investment of Rs 28,000 crore.
He also mentioned the bamboo-to-ethanol refinery, which is under development, and the Tata semiconductor outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) project, which is nearing completion.
Earlier that day, the Chief Minister reviewed several ongoing and proposed infrastructure projects in Tinsukia, including a 1,000-seat town hall auditorium at Gelapukhuri and the planned Tinsukia Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT).
He visited Tinsukia Medical College and Sarbananda Singha Stadium, and inspected the land designated for the proposed ISBT and Sarbananda Singha Kalakhetra.
During his visit to Tinsukia Medical College, Sarma assessed the current facilities and engaged with staff to discuss infrastructure and service enhancements.
“I spoke with the staff to identify areas for improvement in the medical college. I also visited Sarbananda Singha Stadium, which we plan to renovate to meet modern standards. Additionally, I inspected the land for Sarbananda Singha Kalakhetra for future development,” he remarked.
Sarma indicated that he would meet with the local MLA and other stakeholders later that day to discuss the proposed development projects and outline the next steps.
“This evening, I will confer with the MLA and others regarding the advancement of Tinsukia's development. A meeting will be held, and decisions will be made accordingly,” he concluded.