A new bridge is set to be constructed over the Dikhow River at Nazira  co-district, connecting the Santok and Bamunpukhuri areas at a cost of over ₹9.87 Crore. 

The Dikhow River

The Dikhow River is an important right-bank tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra River in Assam.

• Origin and Course: The river originates in the Naga Hills (in Nagaland) and flows in a north-westerly direction before entering the plains of Assam.
• Historical Significance: It flows through the heart of the historic Ahom Kingdom’s capital region, Sivasagar district of Assam.
• Geographical Role: As a perennial river, the Dikhow is vital for irrigation and drinking water for the districts it passes through (like Sivasagar and Charaideo).

Infrastructure and Economic Impact

The construction of the new bridge is a direct investment in regional infrastructure with significant socio-economic implications:

• Improved Connectivity: The bridge will provide all-weather, reliable connectivity between Santok and Bamunpukhuri, dramatically cutting travel time and improving accessibility to markets, schools, and hospitals.
• Economic Boost: Better transport links facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and goods, thus boosting local trade and economy.
• Public Investment: The project, initiated by departmental authorities with a sanctioned budget of ₹9,87,82,000, is a standard example of public investment in the State Highway/Major District Road network to improve rural infrastructure and fulfill the goals of inclusive growth.

Exam Hook: Key Takeaways

The Dikhow River, a right-bank tributary of the Brahmaputra, is not only historically significant to the Ahom era but also economically vital today. The new bridge exemplifies government initiatives to bridge infrastructural gaps and leverage river geography for development.

Prelims Question:

Q. Which of the following statements about the Dikhow River is/are correct?

1. It is a left-bank tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
2. It flows through the Sivasagar district of Assam, historically significant to the Ahom Kingdom.
3. It originates in the Naga Hills.

Select the correct option:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only. (Statement 1 is incorrect; Dikhow is a right-bank tributary of the Brahmaputra).

One Line Wrap: The new bridge over the Dikhow River underscores the continued importance of river infrastructure in connecting communities and accelerating development in the Brahmaputra Valley’s historic core.

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