Govt dithers between NH-53 and NH-150, trucks head for Jiri from Imphal
Petroleum products to arrive via air
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 19 2010: While the option for airlifting essential goods including petroleum products has been adopted, the stock of which are fast running out, following imposition of total economic blockade along the National Highways, uncertainty still reigns over bringing back the stranded goods laden trucks along land route.

Talking to The Sangai Express, Commissioner of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution P Vaiphei informed that as the existing stock of petroleum products is very low, aircraft IL 76/1276 of Indian Air Force (IAF) has been requisitioned for airlifting of petrol and diesel from Guwahati tomorrow.

In one trip, the aircraft can transport 40 kilolitres, the Commissioner informed, adding that the aircraft which is used only in transportation of oil will take three trips tomorrow.

A stretch of NH-53

Continuing airlifting of rice, an AIF cargo flight landed here with 50 quintal of rice.

It is said that airlifting of rice would continue tomorrow too.

However, there is still uncertainty on whether the stranded goods laden trucks from Jiribam and neighbouring parts of Assam would be brought to Imphal through Guite Road or National Highway-53 .

According to an official source, the Government has not yet decided on opting for National Highway 53 to bring the stranded trucks from Jiribam though another batch of security have also been despatched along the same road.

As of now, the Government has instructed the trucks to come along the Guite Road.

Information received from the Home Department said that as the security agencies have not yet given clearance to the trucks coming along National Highway-53, the Government has so far decided on Guite Road and accordingly Guite Road and accordingly necessary instructions have been given to the officials concerned.

On the other hand, around 160 empty trucks have reportedly left Imphal for Jiribam with security escorts today.

Information received from Jiribam said that with some trucks which had earlier proceeded along Guite Road they are still confused on which route to take and around 180 trucks are stuck at the same spot.

A statement issued by Commissioner (Home) Vumlumang has informed that one consignment of life saving drugs/medicines consisting 157 packets and weighing 1.799 MT reached Imphal by air cargo of Logistic Post today.

In addition, another consignment of life saving drugs/medicines consisting 404 packets and weighing 3 MT reached Imphal by Airforce aircraft today.

The statement further informed that the movement of vehicles through Mizoram and Churachandpur continued and five heavy vehicles, one medium vehicle and 23 light vehicles transporting 78 barrels of diesel, 44 barrels of petrol and 142 Oxygen cylinders reached Churachandpur today.

One tanker carrying diesel also arrived while 57 vehicles left Churachandpur for Mizoram today, the Commissioner conveyed, adding that the State Government is taking steps to increase airlifting of essential commodities and improving condition of Guite Road.

Another source informed that the bailey bridge at Maokot along Guite Road would be repaired by arranging all the required materials by the Army.

Another statement issued by the Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department has informed that FCI and IOC authorities in Delhi and Guwahati have conveyed their decisions to send essential foodgrains/PDS items and petroleum products by road through Silchar-Aizwal-Churachandpur-Imphal route.

In this regard, all the owners/drivers of trucks/tankers carrying FCI foodgrains and IOC transporters have been requested to co-operate with the Government.