Dusts from potholed roads choke Ukhrul
Source: The Sangai Express

Ukhrul, December 17 2024: As the joyous season of Christmas approaches, Ukhrul town has turned into a bustling hub of activity.

Shoppers from across Ukhrul and Kamjong districts are pouring into the town to prepare for the festivities.

The sight of families, friends, and individuals eagerly hopping from one shop to another adds to the festive charm, but beneath this cheerful exterior lies an unsettling reality - Ukhrul's deteriorating roads have become a nightmare for commuters.

The festive season, which should be marked by joy and merrymaking, is now shadowed by frustration caused by the pothole-ridden roads.

The narrow, congested streets of Ukhrul town are further burdened by increasing traffic, a lack of designated parking areas, and unsafe conditions for pedestrians and vendors.

What should be a time of seamless celebration has turned into a struggle for residents who are calling for urgent intervention from the authorities.

The heart of the matter lies in the town's main road stretch, spanning approximately 8 to 9 kilometres, which is marred with countless potholes.

These potholes not only slow down traffic but also pose significant risks to both commuters and pedestrians.

During an interaction with this journalist in the congested Ukhrul town centre, a middle-aged woman expressed her frustration.

"I came with a long list of things to buy for Christmas, but the traffic and reckless driving have made it nearly impossible.

I have to watch out for vehicles the entire time, and with potholes everywhere, it feels like an accident waiting to happen," She said.

"We came to celebrate Christmas, not to spend it in the hospital," she added jokingly, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

A Pastor from Ukhrul town passionately appealed to the authorities, emphasising the significance of Christmas for the Christian community.

"Christmas is the biggest and most sacred festival for us.

I urge the Government to repair the town roads before Christmas so that we can glorify God in peace and harmony.

The potholes have caused frustration and anger among the people, and they deserve better from the Government," said the Pastor.

C Angam, an active social worker, took to social media to highlight the issue.

"Public appeals are an indirect criticism of the Government's inefficiency.

It is their responsibility to feel the pulse of their citizens and act accordingly.

Ukhrul town, being one of the oldest district headquarters, deserves proper infrastructure, but the worsening condition of its roads tells a different story," he remarked.

Angam's words resonate with the growing frustration among Ukhrulites who feel "neglected" in terms of development.

Young community leaders have also stepped forward to question the State Government's commitment to improving basic infrastructure in hill districts.

Eno Than, a youth leader, strongly criticised the State for the glaring developmental disparity.

"As citizens in a democracy, we have the right to question the Government.

Why is there such an acute development deficit in Ukhrul compared to other district headquarters? The condition of these roads is unacceptable and unsafe, and it's time the Government addressed these grievances seriously," he said.

The lack of proper roads has not only become an inconvenience but also a safety hazard.

The congested streets, combined with reckless driving to avoid potholes, endanger pedestrians including vendors on the footpaths.

"The administration should clear encroachments and reorganise traffic flow to ensure public safety.

The streets need to be decongested for everyone's safety," said a concerned resident.

The increasing number of complaints from residents, coupled with visible Government inaction, has pushed public patience to its limit.

"If the authorities remain deaf to our appeals, we will have no choice but to take up the matter legally," shared a local organisation leader.

At its core, the issue of Ukhrul's pothole-riddled roads is a glaring reminder of the broader development neglect that many hill districts face.

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