Khurai JAC suggests alternate route for ring road project
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 23 2022: In connection with the government's decision to construct a ring road, which will also cover Ipum Mapal area, the Joint Action Committee Against the Construction of Ring Road at Ipum Mapal Connecting Road Khurai Kons-am Leikai organised a public meeting at Khurai Konsam Leikai Community Hall on Friday.

The meeting was attended by residents of Khurai Konsam Leikai, Heikhrumakhong, Khomidok and Laishram Leikai, who would be affected by the construction of the ring road connecting Ipum Mapal.

During the meeting, JAC member Ngangkham Naobi said that although the people welcome the construction of Imphal Ring Road, all are vehemently against the step of the government to include Ipum Mapal Road as part of the ring road project.

The said area has been a thickly populated area since time immemorial, and as such, is not at all an ideal place to be included in proposed project.

Furthermore, the area is highly accident prone, and the ecological balance, particularly of the water body present along the stretch of this road and the local water pond, will be affected.

Ipum Pat is also a historical site, mentioned as "Hangen Turen" in "Puya".

The Heikrumakhong Bazar will also cease to exist because of this ring road, along with the one mosque located adjacent to the market.

Additionally, pollution will spike to dangerous level, and the lone local community hall and the only cremation ground, would also be demolished.

Naobi then suggested that a stretch of open agricultural field, located at a distance of 1 km from this area, will serve as the ideal place for the ring road.

Meanwhile, several resolutions were taken up during the meeting.

They include urging the state government to reconsider its decision of constructing the ring road at the area and instead, divert the project to a nearby agricultural field; not to submit Social Impact Assessment form, as only 18 pattadars have been enlisted out of more than 200 households living on this stretch; to take up various forms of agitation if the government fails to respect the requests, and lastly, to submit a memorandum in this regard to Chief Minister N Biren Singh, local MLA and minister Leishangthem Susindro Meitei, and other authorities concerned.

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