'Timber smuggling damaging PMCSY roads'
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 17 2023:
Rural Development & Panchayati Raj minister Yumnam Khemchand has said that a social system of resolving issues or complicacies for short tenure has emerged in the state but this system has ruined the land.
Minister Yumnam Khemchand stated this at the opening ceremony of the 6-day 26th sports cum cultural meet of Zingsho Mapithel Katamnao Long (ZMKL) on theme 'Built a better tomorrow' at Shingkap village ground in Ukhrul district, on Tuesday.
Speaking as chief guest of the event, Khemchand informed that roads construct ed under Phase I and II of PMGSY are meant for movement of two-wheeler and light four-wheeler vehicles while heavy vehicles could not ply frequently on these roads.
However, frequent plying of heavy vehicles particularly by timber smugglers has caused damage to PMGSY roads.
There were reports about armed men threatening villagers who took video recording of timber loaded trucks plying on the roads constructed under PMGSY scheme, he said and termed such threats as very unfortunate.
While informing the gathering that he came across sub-par construction of PMGSY roads in hill districts of the state, Yumnam Khemchand said that he alone could not look after those roads and cooperation of local people are required.
He appealed to the people to check quality control of PMGSY roads while the construction work is underway as lodging complaint after execution of work would be useless.
He also assured of looking into improper construction of roads at his best level.