Concept paper on CCpur-KPI road goes viral
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 11 2024: Amid persistent demand by Kuki organisations for a separate administration in Manipur, questions have been raised on whether the government authorities are endorsing the Kuki-Zo community's demands and implementing strategic plans to cede to the demand.

Aftermath of reports on construction of bridges in Kuki-Zo areas without consent of the state government or environmental clearance, there is strong speculation about special project proposals developed for strategically significant Kuki-Zo dominated areas, bypassing the state authorities.

Adding to the controversy, a concept note for construction of the Churachandpur-Kangpokpi road has recently gone viral on social media.

According to the concept note accessed by this daily, executive engineer of Public Works Department, Churachandpur Division prepared proposal for road project.

However, there is no confirmation on whether the proposal had approval of relevant minister and chief engineer, or forwarded to the ministry for final approval of the project intended for the 2023-24 fiscal year.

The project proposal titled "Construction of Road from Churachandpur (Kaprang) to Kangpokpi (Motbung)", has been prepared as a concept paper under the IVR category.

The proposed road is 110 kilometres in length and will pass through three districts namely Churachandpur, Noney and Kangpokpi.

The proposed road passes through several villages namely Nalon, Kukimun, Joujangtek, Joupi, Loibol Kholui, Haibung, Kotlem Kotjem, Kholmun, Kharam Vaiphei, Leimakhong, Khunkhun Naga and Makhan.

The estimated cost of the project is Rs 280 crore.

The concept paper highlights that residents of these areas face significant inconvenience in transportation and communication due to the lack of motorable road, emphasising the urgent need for the proposed road's completion.

It states that the construction of the road will not only enhance administrative mechanism, economic activities, security measures and educational opportunities but will also significantly benefit the local population and boost tourism as an all-weather route.

The questions being raised are whether such project proposals can be prepared by state agencies without the approval of the government and the higher authorities of the department, and then submitted to the central government for approval.

Although the project proposal is beneficial for the state, it appears to have been prepared with a different motive and specific agenda.

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