Imphal, July 12 2010: Transporters and Drivers' Council, Manipur has announced that a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) will be filed against BRO, on the ground that it has been denying the rights of the people and wasting public fund all in the name of developing National Highway-53 .

Addressing a press conference in this connection at its office here this evening, Council president H Ranjit asserted that the incompetency of BRO in maintaining National Highway 53 properly despite being in charge of the same, for the last many years has deprived the rights of the people to have a smooth ride along National Highway-39 .

The Government of India had pumped in huge amount of money for the development of the National Highway, but the BRO has wasted and misused all these funds, alleged the TDC.

An independent body like CBI should be roped in to investigate to dealings of the BRO.

He further informed that the Council would also be filing a PIL against the BRO in this regard within one week's time.

The vice president of the Council Th Ibohal, who was also present during the press conference, observed that BRO took over the task of maintaining and developing National Highway 53 since 1968 .

But the nature of executing the work has turned out to be most deplorable.

As no proper drainage has been provided, the rain water has been running over the road for the last many years and the water that has seeped into the soil has made the road difficult for the goods laden trucks to move along, he pointed out, while asking 'where is the work that BRO has been executed all these years ?' .

It is because of the failure of BRO to maintain National Highway 53 properly that the people of Manipur are suffering today.

The condition of many of the vehicles have deteriorated after plying along this route, he asserted, adding that BRO should also be held responsible for the harassments suffered by the drivers.

It is said that the TDC has conducted a spot inspection of the present condition of the National Highway.

Taking the report of this spot inspection, the Council members met Works Minister K Ranjit Singh in this office chamber today.

During the meeting which was also attended by contractors, the Council members, while assuring every possible assistance in transportation of the required road construction materials, exerted pressure on the Minister for development of the National Highway 53 as an all weather road at the earliest possible.

So far, the Council has helped in transportation of 147 truckloads of stones for the development of the road.

Moreover, various individuals and organisations have also reportedly donated so far Rs 81,000 to the Council for assistance in the development of the road.