Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, Waterways and AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal today attended a Stakeholders Conclave "North Eastern Region" on Waterways as Engine for Growth at Guwahati.<br />'' <br />'' Addressing the gathering he said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi various development projects are being undertaken in the Northeastern states to accelerate the growth engine of this region. He said that the Centre is working to boost inland waterways in North East for a rejuvenated economy and trade resurgence.<br />'' <br />'' The Union Minister informed that his Ministry has identified 7 tentative locations to promote river tourism and water sports along Brahmaputra river and plans are afoot for sea plane operations  between Guwahati and Umrangso in Dima Hasao district of Assam.<br />'' <br />'' Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the conclave as Chief Guest and said that there is a huge potentiality of business through waterways and it will also generate employment.<br />'' <br />'' Chandramohan Patowary, Minister of Transport, Industry and Commerce, Government of Assam speaking on the ocassion said that with the development of the waterways trade and commerce of this entire region will be benefited.<br />'' <br />'' Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Ministers from other North Eastern states were also present on the conclave.<br />''  <br />