Illegal timber transportation dismays Khemchand
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 17 2023:
RD & PR Minister Yumnam Khemchand has expressed disappointment over 'illegal timber transporters' ruining PMGSY roads in hill districts.
The six-day 26th Sports cum Cultural Meet of Zingsho Mapithel Katamnao Long began today at Shingkap Village under Phungyar Block.
Speaking at the event, the Minister said that there are many indications of the contractor not taking due importance on quality control while implementing Ukhrul to Shingkap road (PMGSY).
Saying that most of the PMGSY roads are in bad shape due to the frequent movement of heavy vehicles carrying illegal timber in the midnight, Y Khemchand maintained that the roads constructed under the Phase-II of PMGSY are only for connectivity purposes for light vehicles and not fit for movement of heavy vehicles.
Saying that one heavy vehicle carrying timber was impounded recently after the officials were directed to take a footage if any such vehicles are found plying on PMGSY roads along with their registration number, the Minister said that some armed miscreants came out shortly after the vehicle was seized and threatened the officials to not take a record of illegal timber transportation again.
Further stating that improving connectivity will benefit all the people living in hill districts and remote areas as their wares, vegetables or any of their items can be marketed easily apart from promoting tourism, Y Khemchand appealed to all concerned to inspect regularly if any PMGSY road construction project is taken up in their place so that there would be no compromise on quality control.
The way PMGSY projects are being implemented in hill districts is disheartening, the Minister said and maintained that Manipur will never progress if the people are not sincere.
The village chief of Shingkap Village requested the State Government to repair a road in their areas but we couldn't as PMGSY is a flagship programme of the Centre, Khemchand said but nonetheless advised the officials who accompanied him to prepare a work order to initiate some works such as stone laying under MGNREGA to improve the road condition to some extent as soon as possible.
Khemchand also urged the womenfolk of the village to take the benefit of the National Rural Livelihood Mission by forming NGOs.
Village chiefs and kings of the adjoining villages also attended the programme among others.