Background: the hydropower and bio-ethanol projects behind Assam's energy and farm push

Background

The Brahmaputra works that tie Assam's river transport to its highways are part of a much larger package of projects in the state, valued at about 19,480 crore rupees in all. Among the named items is the Lower Kopili Hydropower Project, counted as renewable energy, and the completed upgradation of the Numaligarh to Siliguri pipeline. A second generation bio-ethanol plant at Golaghat is described as the first of its kind in the world. Modern cruise terminals at Nimati Ghat and Bishwanath Ghat are recorded as having begun work. On the farm side, about 19 lakh Assam farmers have received close to 8,000 crore rupees under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi so far, out of more than 4.25 lakh crore rupees paid nationally. The package also refers to gas pipeline investment, refinery expansion and railway electrification in the state. The Golaghat plant and the Lower Kopili project are the two names most likely to be asked.