Lamphel super market plots wealthy/powerful few seize control
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 24 2010: In yet another case of politicians, law-makers and bureaucrats going against law, Congress leaders and IAS/IPS officers residing in the Shopping cum Residential Complex of Lamphel Super Market have been either building new structures or re-modelling the existing ones as if the complex is their private property.

With a view to reduce congestion in Khwairamband Keithel area, Lamphel Super Market was constructed in 1985/86 by the then Government with Planning and Development Authority (PDA) as nodal agency.

A shopping cum residential complex was also constructed as a part of the super market project.

Even as the Lamphel Super Market failed to deliver what was planned by the Government, it has become a good residential complex for important Congress leaders and IAS/IPS officers.

Lamphel super market with added structures

The shopping cum residential complex was designed by PDA in such a way that the ground floor would serve as shops while the first floor comprising of 114 rooms be used as living quarters.

However, in total violation of the rules and regulations set by the Government at the time of leasing out the shopping cum residential complex, occupants of the complex have been building new structures in accordance to their own desires.

Any casual observer can see all these unlawful activities.

These unlawful activities assumed a popular trend without any authority to check it since the SPF Government came to power.

Among the top Congress leaders occupying the shopping cum residential complex are incumbent Outer Manipur MP Thangso Baite and former Minister Chaltonlien Amo.

Many IAS and IPS officers are also residing at the complex.

On further investigation, it has been learnt that the residential units were constructed with money taken from the would be occupants selected through a lottery though the structure and design was strictly in compliance with the blueprint given by PDA.

Those who got allotments are owners of the building units but the plots belong to the PDA.

Moreover, the allotment made by the Government was for 99 years.

However, many of those who got allotments in the shopping and residential complex have been selling off plots of their building units for one reason or another at high prices.

Price tag of a single plot stands at Rs 20 lakhs at the minimum.

Following sale and purchase of the plots, the building units have been re-structured or new storeys added in total deviation from the design prescribed by the PDA as if the buildings were built on their own private plots.

Talking to The Sangai Express about these unlawful activities, one PDA official informed that they did not receive a single application seeking permission to alter design of the building units.

The official categorically stated that the design of the building units cannot be altered nor can new structures be constructed without permission of the PDA.

Those who got allotments may sell their buildings but due permission must be sought from the PDA.

However, there were some instances where the PDA received applications for transfer of plots.

Meanwhile, necessary initiatives have been taken up to build a bus parking and an open market after demolishing some residential and market complexes in front of Shankar Talkies.