NTPC Bongaigaon Strengthens Eri Silk Livelihoods with Sales-cum-Display Counter at Raimona National Park
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New Delhi: NTPC Bongaigaon, under its CSR initiatives, has extended support to the Bodoland Sericulture Mission—a flagship initiative of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Government launched in 2023 to transform the traditional silk sector of the Bodoland Territorial Region into a sustainable, high-income livelihood ecosystem with focus on Eri silk.
As part of this initiative, the Sales-cum-Display Counter under the project “Promotion of Eri Silk and Handloom Village in Raimona National Park” was formally inaugurated on 25 February 2026 at Mothambil Forest Village, located approximately 2 km from Raimona National Park.
The programme was graced by Shri Derhasat Basumatary, Executive Member (Health & Family Welfare), BTR Government, in the presence of Smt. Bhanulata Mushahary, Director of Sericulture, BTC, Shri Ranjit Kumar Gogoi, Asst. Director, BTC, Shri Amit Kumar Asthana, Addl. General Manager (HR),NTPC Bongaigaon Shri A.K. Chakravorty, Former Director of Sericulture, BTR, Shri Roshan Dungdung, DGM (HR), Ms. Smriti Das, Executive (CSR) and other officials from NTPC and BTC.
The project, being implemented by BTC Government in collaboration with the Department of Sericulture with CSR support of NTPC Bongaigaon, entails a total outlay of ₹30.00 lakhs. Mothambil Forest Village has been identified as the project site to promote eco-tourism linked livelihood development through Eri silk rearing and handloom weaving, directly benefiting around 125 women beneficiaries (89 rearers and 36 weavers) and indirectly supporting over 779 beneficiaries and more than 1700 indirect villagers across the surrounding area.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Derhasat Basumatary stated that the Bodoland Sericulture Mission has been envisioned as a key driver for rural livelihood enhancement in the region, with special emphasis on women-led economic activities. He noted that the initiative at Mothambil Forest Village represents a meaningful convergence of biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism and the traditional silk heritage of the Bodo community. He further conveyed that the creation of forward market linkages through the Sales-cum-Display Counter donated by NTPC Bongaigaon will enable artisans to secure better value for their products while encouraging youth and women to engage in sustainable livelihood practices rooted in local resources and skills. Shri Amit Kumar Asthana shared that NTPC Bongaigaon remains committed to supporting community-centric development initiatives in the Bodoland Territorial Region through its CSR programmes, with focus on livelihood generation, skill development and women empowerment. He highlighted that the Eri Silk and Handloom Village initiative reflects NTPC’s approach of linking economic opportunities with local culture and environmental sustainability. The project is expected to strengthen grassroots entrepreneurship, enhance income opportunities for women beneficiaries and contribute to preserving the rich handloom traditions of the region while creating a unique eco-tourism experience around Raimona National Park,Shri Asthana added.
The newly inaugurated Sales-cum-Display Counter, constructed at an estimated cost of ₹5.90 lakhs, has been developed as a traditional assam type structure with dedicated display arrangements for showcasing locally produced Eri silk and handloom products. The facility will be managed and operated by the women beneficiaries of the village, enabling direct market access and value realisation for their products thereby promoting livelihood and economic growth of the women in the area.
The broader project interventions include establishment of Kesseru plantations for Eri silkworm rearing, construction of rearing houses, provision of spinning machines to community groups, supply of improved certified looms with accessories, supply of quality Eri yarn and creation of this dedicated sales platform.
The initiative integrates the natural heritage of Raimona National Park with the rich cultural traditions of the Bodo community by promoting an eco-tourism ecosystem. Visitors to the National Park for wildlife safaris, trekking and bird watching will also get an opportunity to witness traditional Eri silk rearing, spinning and weaving practices and purchase authentic handloom products directly from local artisans.
The project is expected to strengthen market linkages, promote women’s economic empowerment, preserve traditional crafts and support sustainable livelihood development in the Bodoland Territorial Region.