CM flags off two highway projects
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 08 2014: Chief Minister O Ibobi today flagged off two road construction projects; Bishnupur-Tupul and Zouzangtek-Rengpang.

The 50 Kms long Bishnupur-Tupul road would be constructed as a part of the Northeastern State Roads Investment Programme with investment from the Asian Development Bank while the 69 Kms long Zounzangtek-Rengpang road would be constructed with funding from the North East Council.

The two highway projects were flagged off today by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi from Bishnupur and Zouzangtek.

The flag off function was also participated by Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar, Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam and IFCD Minister Ngamthang Haokip.

Speaking at public meetings held at Bishnupur and Zouzangtek held as parts of the flag-off functions, Chief Minister O Ibobi expressed keen desire that construction work of Bishnupur to Zouzangtek road is completed by March next year even though its stipulated period is three years.

Highlighting that connectivity and transport infrastructure are the backbone of development, Ibobi decried the practice of calling bandhs and blockades, and abduction of labourers and officials which impede work progress.

He also appealed to the local people to ensure that the road construction projects are not disturbed and the roads are constructed with due emphasis on work quality.

Stating that the two highway construction projects have no provision for compensation, Ibobi assured that Government would avoid eviction as far as possible.

Pointing out that the railway bridges which would be built at Makru and Barak would be the tallest bridges in the world, Ibobi asserted that the two places would have enough potential to attract international tourists.

Referring to the Manipur Land Use Policy which has been approved by the Cabinet, Ibobi clarified that the policy would not infringe with the authority of village chiefs and it would never be the agenda of the Government to usurp hill areas.

The policy is aimed at availing development programmes to both village development committees and village chiefs.

If the village chiefs are apprehensive, the particular Cabinet decision may be reviewed, the Chief Minister stated.

On seeing the warm welcome accorded to him and his team, Ibobi called upon all the people of Manipur not to do anything which would disturb the pristine beauty embedded in the fraternal ties shared between the hills and valley.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam claimed that all the people of the hills and valley are witnesses to the Congress Government's relentless efforts towards equitable development of both the hills and valley.

While 95 per cent of people welcome development programmes, 5 per cent are worried.

They would complain about underdevelopment in hill areas but they would not extend any cooperation when different development programmes are taken up in hill districts, he added.

"Bandhs/blockades would not serve any purpose.

If there should be speedy development, we need to cooperate among ourselves", Gaikhangam stated.

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