In a significant step toward green energy adoption, the Assam Cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Reliance Industries aimed at reducing the state’s dependence on fossil fuels.
The agreement between Reliance Bio-Energy Limited and the Assam government is designed to advance the compressed biogas industry within the state. Under this MoU, an integrated infrastructure network for compressed biogas will be established. This initiative is expected to reduce pollution associated with fossil fuels, strengthen food security, and generate substantial employment and income for farmers by developing a biovalue chain ecosystem.
To support rural development through enhanced connectivity and irrigation, the Cabinet also approved the construction of 97 rural roads and 70 minor irrigation projects across Assam. These developments, spanning 23 districts for road connectivity and benefiting farmers across 28 districts, will receive a total investment of ₹428.62 crore through NABARD’s RIDF-XXX scheme.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the importance of carefully evaluating the project’s viability, stating, “We aim to assess how realistic and implementable this transition will be for Assam.” Sarma added that the Cabinet is keen to explore every possible avenue to make this green energy shift a reality.
Reliance Industries has already shown interest in building a biorefinery in Assam. During the Assam Tribune Dialogue on September 14, Chief Minister Sarma confirmed that Reliance Industries had reached out, expressing plans to establish six biorefineries across India, with Assam identified as a key location.