Jiribam, August 09: Underlying the tremendous growth potential of Jiribam town in the coming years, Governor Dr SS Sidhu has stated that Jiribam would soon emerge as an important nerve centre of development both economically and strategically.

Addressing a public meeting at the Jiribam Higher Secondary School ground this morning, Dr Sidhu, who made a spot survey of NH-53 by road from Imphal to Jiribam yesterday, to study the ground realities both in terms of security environment and the requirements of freight carriers along the route, exhorted the people to co-operate with the Government in execution of developmental projects.

The Governor made it clear that the repairing work along National Highway 53 is being taken up on a war footing not simply to facilitate movement of goods and people while the economic blockade is in force, but also to make it a viable route permanently.

Assuring that repairing/development of NH-53 would be taken up with right earnest so that the task is completed within three months� time and throw open the route to traffic, the Governor said that the maximum load to be carried by the trucks inclusive of the weight of the vehicles will be increased upto 15 tonne.

He also pointed out the need to develop/improve the existing land routes in Manipur in view of lack of an alternative route like water ways and because laying of the rail line from Jiribam to Imphal would take time.

The Governor, however, maintained that the Jiri-Tupul/Imphal Railway project will be a marvel of engineering boon not only to the people of Jiribam but also to the people of the region and the State of Manipur.

It is learnt that the Governor called on the Railways officials at the Jiribam Railway Station and reviewed the progress of the survey works while underlying the need for early commencement of the construction work.

The Deputy Chief Engineer of NE Railway, the key person for the execution of the project, was himself reportedly present in these discussions.

Giving due consideration to the demand put forward by the people of the subdivision for setting up an Inter-State bus terminus at Jiribam, the Governor said he would extend all possible help from his side to fulfill this demand.

IG (South) Assam Rifles B Gothra accompanied the Governor during his visit, from Imphal to Barak yesterday.

With heavy rainfall, the car in which the Governor was travelling broke down along the way.

From Barak the Governor traveled in the Bolero of Tamenglong DC T Pamei and arrived at Jiribam at around 8.30 pm yesterday.

At Jiribam Imphal East DC KK Chhetry and DIG (Range) S Dinokumar were already there to welcome the Governor.

Besides inspecting the condition of the bridges at Irang, Barak and Makru along with BRTF officers, IG Assam Rifles and Commandant of 9 Para Regiment, who are in charge of the security of the area, the Governor also interacted with the people of Noney, Nungba, Kaimai, Tousem and Kaiphundai on his way to Jiribam yesterday.

At Kaimai, the villagers gave a rousing welcome to the Governor who sanctioned a sum of Rs 20,000 for organising the village sports and improvement of village ground besides another Rs 5,000 to the local cultural team of school children from his discretionary fund.

While talking to the people, he explained the importance of National Highway 53, its growth, its role as a catalyst for socio-economic development and employment opportunities not only in the villages along the road but also for the development of Tamenglong district as a whole apart from improving communication and connectivity of the State.

He also apprised villagers that BRTF will soon be taking up works in which more than five thousand local people would be provided employment over a period of time.

He also said that NH-53 would receive the whole-hearted attention of the Government, irrespective of the ongoing economic blockade of NH-39.The work being taken up by BRTF to strengthen the 13 weak bridges including Barak, Irang and Makru, located between Barak and Jiribam almost over, said Dr Sidhu and added that these bridges would be able to withstand vehicles carrying 15 tonnes within August 11.A team of Ministers and MLAs led by Power and Information Minister Gaikhangam also inspected the works being taken up long Imphal-Jiribam Road yesterday.

Talking to The Sangai Express, Manipur Pollution Control Board chairman N Biren, who was part of the team, informed that a detailed report of the works they have survey would be submitted to the Union Defence Minister.