Guwahati, July 15: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday strongly defended proposed investments by corporate groups such as Adani and Ambani, saying Assam cannot achieve faster development without private investment in critical sectors like infrastructure and tourism.

Speaking during the Budget Session of the Assam Assembly, CM Sarma hit back at criticism over the proposed Guwahati Satellite City and a five-star hotel near Kaziranga National Park, saying both projects are aimed at driving the state’s long-term economic growth.

“Guwahati has been grappling with flash floods for decades. To decongest the city, we want to develop a satellite city, but the moment the names Adani or Ambani come up, the opposition begins,” he said.

Defending the proposed hotel project near Kaziranga, the Chief Minister said the state government does not have the resources to build world-class hospitality infrastructure on its own and must therefore rely on private investment.

“Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Assam’s biggest tourism attractions. Better infrastructure will encourage higher tourist spending, create jobs for our youth and generate more revenue for the state,” he said.

Sarma also assured that land acquisition for such projects would be carried out strictly in accordance with the law and that affected landowners would be compensated as per government norms.

Drawing comparisons with destinations such as Jim Corbett National Park, Ranthambore and the Sundarbans, he said all have high-end hospitality infrastructure.

“If those destinations can have five-star hotels, why shouldn’t Assam?” the Chief Minister asked, urging people to support projects that would generate employment, attract investment and strengthen the state’s economy.