JAC calls for completion of SH-08 without influence of external forces
Source: The Sangai Express
Ukhrul, January 28 2024:
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) for Development of Old Ukhrul Road - New Haven to Talui Junction (SH-08) via Lamlang Gate has called for satisfactory completion of the ongoing renovation of the State highway without the influence of any external or political forces.
During a press conference held at Hotel Ice Land, Wino Bazaar, Ukhrul on Friday, the JAC's general secretary, Happylife Leisan, informed that the restoration and improvement work of the old road taken up under the Central Road Fund (CRF) had commenced on January 4, 2024 .
The project which aimed to cover a distance of 29 km runs through a fertile stretch along the Thoubal River, making it a crucial connectivity link for the most populous region of the district, said Leisan.
Flanked by JAC convenor, AS Wungnaoyo, headman Ramva village, Qr HA Khayaiwo headman of Hunphun/Ukhrul and other members of the Committee, Leisan appealed to the authorities concerned to ensure that the restoration work is completed successfully without any hindrances.
He stated that the ongoing project is very important to the people of the region and it should not be subjected to any political agendas.
Stating that the JAC has been actively monitoring the progress of the restoration project with the last inspection being conducted on January 24, Leisan said that the JAC was pleased to note that the work was progressing smoothly and urged the contractor and departmental officials to maintain the same level of dedication and commitment till the project's completion.
On behalf of the JAC, Leisan also expressed gratitude to Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam for approving the improvement of the road.
He then appealed to the authorities to refrain from conducting financial transactions for the ongoing CRF work without first obtaining a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the JAC.
"Any issues that arise in the implementation of the road improvement work should be settled only in consultation with the JAC, as it is the only legitimate body for the local people," he said.
Simultaneously, Leisan urged the state authorities to consider developing the existing road into a four-lane highway for the benefit of the public.
He cited the proposal made by Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah in 2022, as evidence of the urgent need for this improvement.
According to Leisan, MLA Muivah, during his tenure as Secretary of the North Eastern Council (NEC), and Masakhui Rungsung (IFS), High Commissioner to Jamaica, successfully convinced the then Union Secretary of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH), Vijay Chibber, to undertake the improvement work of the road under the category of economic importance.
In 2018, a survey was conducted and an amount of Rs 1 crore was sanctioned under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH).
A consultancy firm had already completed the necessary DPR for the project which was then forwarded to the State Government but the fund was reportedly diverted elsewhere leaving the target unfulfilled, lamented Leisan.