Works Minister rules out second eviction
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 16 2014:
Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar has clarified that there is no question of further acquisition of land than the areas already acquired for expansion of Tiddim Road from Keishampat to Malom.
Addressing a public meeting at Mayang Imphal Thongkhong community hall today, Dr Ratankumar who is also in charge of Transport Department said that the highway expansion is being undertaken in the interest of the public.
As decided earlier, the highway section should be expanded to 38 metres, 19 metres on each side, and there is no question of another round of eviction.
The highway should be expanded up to 19 metres on each side at 90 degree from the median.
There might have been some minor errors when the Revenue Department demarcated the line of eviction.
Before the eviction drive was launched several rounds of meetings were held with Chief Minister O Ibobi in the chair.
People also need to understand certain established rules.
As a rule, people should build houses, shops or any other structure after leaving out around 10 feet from the demarcated line.
This space of around 10 feet is known as set-back area.
Nevertheless, at many areas people were seen constructing pillars just beside the line of demarcation.
This does not mean all the people do it likewise, Ratankumar said.
Before constructing any multi-storeyed building, people should submit a blueprint of the building to Imphal Municipal Council indicating that it has earthquake-proof components in view of Manipur's location on high seismic zone, and there is rule to
this effect.
Piling stones or sand on road sides and double-parking of vehicles on roads are in contravention of established rules.
The Works Minister further appealed to all the affected who are constructing houses/shops anew to build them after leaving a space of around 10 feet from the demarcated line.
Around Rs 80 crore were spent on paying compensation for the land acquired for highway expansion.