CM dedicates Heingang Awang Leikai Bridge, Old Thumbuthong Bridge
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 19 2014: Newly built Heingang Awang Leikai Bridge and Old Thumbuthong Bridge were inaugurated by Chief Minister O Ibobi today.

While inaugurating Heingang Awang Leikai Bridge as chief guest, Ibobi appealed to denizens of the constituency to extend cooperation on the proposed construction of Pony Sanctuary at Heingang Ibudhou Marjing as a tourist centre, while assuring that the government would not acquire lands forcibly for construction of the sanctuary.

The CM maintained that the sanctuary is to be constructed with the firm objective to save the State Pony from being endangered species, and asserted that grazing arena, ponds including a veterinary hospital especially for ponies would also be constructed at the sanctuary site.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi inaugurated the newly constructed 52 metres long Thumbuthong bridge Pix- DIPR

Stating that International Polo Tournament would be started from November 22 at Mapal Kangjeibung just after the end of Sangai Festival, Ibobi added that teams from foreign countries including USA, United Kingdom, Thailand and Singapore would take part in the tournament.

When the foreign teams came here to take part in the tournament, they would certainly ask about pony sanctuary of the State.

Therefore, it is much necessary to construct a pony sanctuary as soon as possible, he exclaimed.

Confiding that the proposed Pony Sanctuary would be fenced by forming ring bandhs, Ibobi said that the government is also planning to construct a statue of horse at the construction site.

The Heingang Awang Leikai Bridge would facilitate transportation of around 1 lakh people.

The government would also make efforts to connect Kontha Ahallup with the undergoing construction of 31 By Sub-Station at Mantripukhri to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity in Heingang, the CM said.

The inauguration function of the bridge was also attended by Works Minister, Dr Ksh Ratankumar and N Biren, MLA Heingang Constituency as president and guest of honor respectively.

Additional Chief Secretary (Works), O Nabakishwar; N Lokendro, Chief Engineer of PWD and Additional Chief Engineer, Temba were also present at the occasion.

Speaking at the inauguration of Old Thumbuthong Bridge, CM Ibobi admitted that the government had targeted to complete the construction of Sanjenthong Bridge before the commencement of Sangai Festival but could not meet the dateline which is due to delay in procurement of bridge parts from foreign countries including France and UK.

Conceding that the Old Thumbuthong Bridge would act as an important connecting point between Imphal East and West, the CM said that the government would also try to initiate necessary steps to repair roads in Municipal areas.

Works Minister Dr Ksh Ratankumar who presided over the function said that arrangement is being made to construct the Imphal Ring Road under the funding from Asian Development Bank, while adding that tender process for entrusting work agency for construction of the road is on.

Stating that work order would be awarded to a competent agency before March of next year, the Minister asserted that the government is planning to construct Tupul-Bishnupur road under External Aided Project.

Addl Chief Secretary (Works), O Nabakishwar; E Chand, MLA Yaiskul Constituency and officials of PWD were also present during the inauguration function of the bridge.