Dima Hasao to Receive ₹1,014 Crore Annually from Limestone Mining: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Hills Live News,
Haflong (Assam), Nov 2: Highlighting a transformative opportunity for Dima Hasao’s local economy, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the district could generate approximately ₹84,500 crore in total revenue over the next 50 years through the auction of 13 limestone blocks.
Out of the total revenue, 60 percent—estimated at around ₹1,014 crore annually—will go directly to the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC).
Transparent Auction and Revenue Breakdown
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, the Chief Minister shared that 13 limestone blocks were auctioned to leading cement manufacturing companies in India through a transparent bidding process.
Total Projected Revenue: ₹84,500 crore over a 50-year period.
Average Annual Revenue: Approximately ₹1,690 crore per year.
DHAC Share: 60% of the total revenue, amounting to roughly ₹1,014 crore per year.
Step Toward Financial Autonomy
Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that this arrangement will play a pivotal role in boosting the financial self-reliance of the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council. He noted that the direct influx of funds would reduce the council’s reliance on state or central financial aid for local development initiatives and infrastructure projects.
Reflecting on the region’s past struggles with insurgency, Sarma remarked that the benefits of industrial and commercial expansion in tribal-dominated areas can only reach local populations when regional governing bodies are direct financial stakeholders. He cited the limestone auction as a prime example of this economic model.
Additionally, the Chief Minister addressed opposition to industrial projects in tribal areas, arguing that sustainable auctioning processes create reliable, long-term revenue streams for local communities.