Lunghar VA opposes diversion of NH 202
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 11 2023:
Lunghar Village Authority (LVA), Ukhrul district has opposed the notification issued on March 23 for diversion of NH 202, by-passing the Lunghar village.
In a memorandum submitted to deputy commissioner, Ukhrul on Monday, Lunghar village headman Shimreingam Lungharwo and LVA secretary LW Vareiso informed that the people of Lunghar village have repeatedly raised objection against diversion of NH 202 from the village as it will defeat the purpose of better road for easy accessibility for the people living in the area.
Lunghar is the largest vegetable producing village in the district and the main source of livelihood for the villages.
Due to poverty people in the hills are resorting to illegal cultivation of marijuana and poppy which are having adverse impact on sustainable use of natural resources, but so far Lunghar village has remained an exception.
The memorandum noted that when survival is threatened people not only turn violent but also indulge in illegal activities leading to misuse of natural resources.
Those in power make negative remarks on tribals but at the same time the state is unable to provide alternative means of livelihood to the people.
The proposed diversion is motivated by corporate profit by avoiding payment of compensation to affected people.
There is conflict of interest between NHIDCL and the village as it has repeatedly threatened the Lunghar village the proposed widening of NH 202 will be cancelled for objections raised by the village.
It has also misled CSOs in the district that the Lunghar village is stalling development in the area which is not true.
NHIDCL has been twisting its words and have failed to bring a solution to the matter, it claimed.
The memorandum further conveyed that the diversion will take away the benefit of NH for the village, while assuring that the village will extend full cooperation if the old route is followed.