We’re more connected than ever – DC Dhemaji

by Bhabani Sonowal

She has won the best national awards for the administration. Born in Hyderabad and started her carrier as a journalist with one of the mainstreams in India, now she is serving as the Deputy Commissioner ( DC) of the Dhemaji District.

Dhemaji District is one of the districts situated in the remote corner of North East India on the north bank of river Brahmaputra.

In an exclusive interview with Sri Lanka Guardian, Deputy Commissioner Roshni Aparanji Korati talked about the current socio-political situation in the area a few days later inaugurating the Bogibeel bridge, the longest combined rail and road bridge in India and second longest bridge in Assam over the river Brahmaputra after Bhupen Hazarika Setu.

“People here are no more isolated, and one of the most prevailed challenges has been overcoming,” Roshni told the Sri Lanka Guardian. 
“Now the bridge has connected the people. This was one of the major challenges prevailed for many years. Transport solely depending through the river is not only difficult but that caused many people to cage them in this small area,” she said.

“Therefore, they could not even think about the rest of the country,” she added.

While warmly welcoming us at her Office located in Dhemaji, one of the most beautiful rural areas in India, she has narrated the public support she is getting in every difficult time. Roshni has won the hearts and minds of the people in the area. Many people those who talked to us bragged about her administrative skills and contribution she made for the benefit of livelihood in this rural society.

According to the government website, in Dhemaji, “agriculture is the main occupation of the people engaging about 59% of the working population. Paddy is the major agricultural crop cultivated in 69290 ha (Summer, Autumn and Winter paddy), constituting around 55% of the gross cropped area (2001-2002). Mustard is the major oilseed crop grown in the district. Potato and pulses are other major crops grown in the district. Fruits and vegetables are also cultivated on a moderate scale. Piggery, Dairy and Goat rearing are the major allied agricultural activities carried out in the district.”

“Time has arrived for more investors to look at Dhemaji and identify the potentials here. We as the government administrative entity is doing our best to attract more local investors who can truly understand and address the needs of people in the district,” she said.

( Bhabani Sonowal is an editorial adviser of the Sri Lanka Guardian)