Thoubal yet to taste CM-benefits
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 05 2012:
Even though Thoubal has undergone great changes since Okram Ibobi became the Chief Minister of Manipur, the changes are unable to bring any meaningful benefit to the people of the district.
The physical changes that Thoubal underwent in the last 10 years is glaringly visible, the most notable changes being the new market complexes at Thoubal Bazar, the mini Secretariat and the new building of the district hospital.
Though several crores of rupees were invested in building these infrastructure, the buildings remain unused as if they have no utility like the proverbial white elephants.
Construction work of these infrastructure started in 2005 and they were inaugurated by the Chief Minister on the same day in December last year.
In terms of such infrastructure, Thoubal is only second to Imphal.
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Imphal-Thoubal road which constitutes a portion of Asian Highway I is being upgraded to the level of a four-lane highway.
On the way to Thoubal district headquarters, one would see the new market complex of Babu Bazar which was inaugurated by the Chief Minister on December 24 last year being guarded by some police men.
The new market complex was constructed at the cost of several crores of rupees.
But the same complex lay unused though it is seven months since the complex was inaugurated.
Even though the market complex does not have any unique architectural design, it is still one of the landmark buildings in Thoubal district.
Just after crossing Thoubal bridge, one would observe the magnificent Thoubal market complex as well as the row of box-type shops built alongside the road.
The market complex built reportedly at the cost of Rs 48 crores is completely vacant even today.
The Thoubal DC office is yet to shift to the already inaugurated mini Secretariat which was constructed at the cost of Rs 35.72 crores.
In addition to smallness of the room which was built as DC's room, no bathroom was attached.
Left unoccupied and unattended, the secretariat complex is now overgrown by grasses and bushes.
Given the huge funds invested in these infrastructure projects, it is rather disheartening to see how they are being abandoned as if they have no utility at all.
It is only the new building of Thoubal District Hospital whose utilities are being fully enjoyed by the people.