CM inaugurates 18 projects, lays foundation tor 22 in Ukhrul
Source: Chronicle News Service R Lester Makang / DIPR

Ukhrul, October 18 2023: Chief Minister N Biren, accompanied by his nine cabinet ministers, as well as an entourage of MLAs and senior government officials, paid a visit to Ukhrul Town on Wednesday.

The Chief Minister and his ministerial colleagues received grand reception from the public in Ukhrul town, where he inaugurated 118 projects and laid foundation stones for 22 projects worth over Rs 64 crore.

The Ukhrul visit was his first during the second term of the BJP-led government.

Prior to the public gathering, a cabinet meeting was convened at the deputy commissioner's conference hall at the mini secretariat, covering a total of 17 agendas.

Upon arrival at the mini secretariat, the Chief Minister and his Council of ministers were greeted by Tangkhul civil society organisations, district administration, government officials, and the general public.

The public gathering commenced with a traditional Hokharai (invocation) led by Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL) president SA Ramnganing.

During his address, CM Biren unveiled various initiatives aimed at addressing pressing issues in the district, particularly focusing on water scarcity and road infrastructure.

Noting water scarcity as a prominent issue in the town, he highlighted that a survey had been conducted to assess the issue in the town, leading to the approval of a new water augmentation project' worth Rs 6 crore for immediate implementation.

In order to address the long-term water scarcity issue in the district, Biren proposed construction of a dam at Shirui hills, estimated to cost more than Rs 200 crore.

Underlining the government's forthcoming focus on the district's infrastructure, Biren affirmed the government's dedication to upgrading the Imphal-Ukhrul route, particularly NH-202, into a four-lane highway.

The CM also disclosed that the state cabinet had given the nod to re-establish the much-awaited Paoyi Sub-Divisional Collector (SDC) office and the construction of Toloi Police Station.

Additionally, he informed that the state government had sanctioned funds for blacktopping of Ukhrul town's roadways, the establishment of a nursing college, and a Drug Rehabilitation Centre, with a total budget of Rs 5 crore, along with a cold storage facility amounting to Rs 2.5 crore.

Biren also emphasised that, in alignment with PM Modi's vision of establishing at least one medical college in each district, he would prioritise proposing a medical college in Ukhrul district.

Furthermore, the CM assured that the state government would give 'priority' to the proposal of designating Ukhrul as the 'Summer Capital' of the state.

Acknowledging the 'land constraint' in Ukhrul town, he urged the people to explore alternative location for the development of a new Ukhrul township, possibly near Sirarakhong.

The CM stressed the importance of engaging in politics without disrupting progress.

He elaborated that had the government not fulfilled the assurances or commitments made during his earlier visits in 2017-18, he would not have been able to return today.

Stating that the government was chosen by the people, he pledged that all commitments and assurances would be honoured, reiterating that development should be devoid of political disruptions.

Assuring to review ban on mobile internet services, the CM appealed to the populace, particularly the students and youth to wait for a few more days.

He stressed that with the community's support, progress towards peace and development is underway, and sought further support from the people.

Biren also addressed the relationship between Tangkhuls and Meeteis, highlighting that these two communities had been politically divided for a period, but today, with the blessings of God, they are moving towards unity and brotherhood.

He revealed plans to lay the foundation for a Meetei and Tangkhul Heritage Museum at Hundung, envisioning a future where the new generation of all indigenous people could coexist in harmony.

Representing Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah expressed profound gratitude and appreciation for the numerous projects to be taken up for the welfare of the people of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.

He additionally implored the CM to reinitiate or coordinate the Shirui festival, given the Chief Minister's role as a patron of this festival.

Moreover, the chief minister distributed appointment letters under the die in harness' scheme for the Autonomous District Council office to 26 deserving individuals.

The projects for which foundations were laid are construction of Bailey Bridge over Challou River at Poi village; construction of road from NH-202 to Halang village circular road; improvement of inter-village circular road at New Tusom Christian village, which will be constructed under PWD; construction of PHSC Phungcham and Shirui under PM ABHIM; construction of Type IV, III and type II police quarters at Ukhrul, Chingai, Jessami, Shangshak, Somdal and Litan PS under MHPC Ltd; construction of government children homes in Ukhrul under engineering cell of the health and family welfare department; revamp distribution sector scheme under MSPCL; construction of cultural centre cum multipurpose building in Ukhrul; and uplift of integrated farming of Huishu village under NEC.

The CM also dedicated 20 different projects to the people of Ukhrul district.

The projects included women's hostel and girls' hostel at Ukhrul district headquarters and Paoyi Chingai village under MOBEDS; PHSC buildings at Tusom CV, Ngainga Chingai, and Ringui Lungchong Maiphei constructed under MOBEDS; school building and sanitation facilities for boys and girls at Sirarakhong, Ngachonmi, Ringui Ayotang, Ringui Ramhon, and Paorei Primary School; guest house at Shirui under PWD; geriatric ward at District Hospital Ukhrul constructed under health department; barrack type quarters at PHC Lambui constructed under MTDC; augmentation of water supply scheme at Yaolen village, Paoyi Azingtang village, Chingjaroi CV, Leyaram village, Tora Khunou, and Lungreiphung village under PHED.

The CM also inaugurated an open gym at Ukhrul constructed under YAS.

The CM was accompanied by his council of ministers including power minister Thongam Biswajit, MAHUD minister Yumnam Khemchand, works minister Govindas Konthoujam, water resources minister Awangbow Newmai, health minister Dr Sapam Ranjan, education minister Thounaojam Basanta Kumar, PHE minister Leishangthem Susindro, social welfare minister H Dingo and transport minister Khashim Vashum.

Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah delivered the welcome address, while minister Khashim presented the vote of thanks.

At the concluding part of his visit, Biren also visited Hungpung village where he laid the foundation stone for construction of a heritage site called Hao Heritage Centre.

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