Baudi opposes handing over NH 53 to state PWD
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, May 09 2011:
The Zeliangrong Baudi, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland (ZB-AMN) said today handing over works on NH 53 to State PWD from BRO, is an act of expanding the "corruption wings of the State PWD" .
Poukham Meiringmei, secretary of the Baudi said, it was "a ridiculous decision" .
Accusing the PWD of siphoning off ninety percent of the ' 15 crore in 2010 in connivance with Transporters and Drivers Council, the Zeliangrong Baudi challenged that before taking over the 222km-long NH 53, the PWD must convert IT Road (from Kangpokpi to Tamenglong district headquarters via Tamei), Kaiphundai-Tousem Road, Khongsang-Tamenglong Road, Old Cachar Road etc.
into an all weather road and complete the long delayed Barak bridges at Namtiram and Dikiuram.
It has said that until the PWD has converted all inter village roads (IVRs) into all-weather motorable roads its claim to NH 53 would be just like asking for the moon.
It is also noteworthy that Gauhati High Court has directed the State PWD to conduct a joint enquiry over the misuse and fraudulent withdrawal of more than ' 10 crore each in the improvement works of IT Road and KT Road in connivance with thieving contractors, it further said.
In a strong gesture the Baudi said, it has therefore decided to oppose tooth and nail the "expansion of corruption wings of the State PWD under the patronage of the SPF government of Manipur into the national highway" and sought support from the public at large.