Tousem locals restore link, air plight
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 10 2012:
Construction of a temporary suspension bridge over Makru river in Tousem sub-division section undertaken by the locals under the supervision of Tousem SDO Armstrong has been reportedly been completed on July 7 .
Following torrential rainfall in the last part of june and subsequent flooding in Tousem sub-division of Tamenglong district, two vital bridges, including a Bailey bridge, were washed away thereby severing all means of surface transportation from Tousem to the rest of the world, informed Development Committee Tousem Block in a statement issued today.
Informing that consequent to the washing away of the bridges, many school children who returned home during the summer holiday were stranded for a couple of weeks as it was impossible to cross over without the bridges, the Committee also conveyed gratitude to the school authorities for condoning belated return of the children to their respective institutions.
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Noting that Tamei AC MLA and top administrative officials of Tamenglong district have been taking all possible measures to restore the damaged (washed away) suspension bridge over Makru river in between namtiram and Tousem HQs, the Committee drew the attention of the State Government for immediate action to address plight of the Tousem people whose paddy plantation sites have also been severely devastated by flood water from Jiri and Makru rivers.It is said that Tousem villagers solely depend for their livelihood through terrace cultivation, most of which had been devastated in the recent flooding.
The Committee also lamented that inspite of over 30 years, construction/development of the 95 km long Tamenglong-tousem-Haflong road remains incomplete.
Highlighting that the road development work is a sanctioned programme under the North Eastern Council for which Rs 42.71 crores had been earmarked, the Committee demanded that the Government of Manipur take immediate measures for expeditious completion of the said road.
It also regretted that repeated reminders as well as assurances to/from both the Central and State Government leaders on the said issue have failed to evoke any positive response till date.