Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 26 2010:
Proceeding further is even more dangerous as it requires passing through deep gorges on one side of the road and steep slopes on the other.
Summing up the existing condition, particularly of a landslide prone area known as Nungsithaibi, chairman of Kasom Khullen Sub Division Development Association Jojo Robertson told a group of reporters that both passengers and vehicle operators pin hope on the almighty that they reach their destination safe and sound.
The situation gets even more worse enroute to Kasung Bungdung via Kasom Khullen as the entire Kacha road is filled with large potholes.
For villagers of about 44 hamlets within the sub-division, the only means to reach the State capital is through passenger carriers servicing from Kasung Bungdung to Imphal.
One has the option to reach Imphal via Ukhrul district headquarters but the distance is twice the length.
According to Minister (Church) of Kasom Khullen Village Authority S Kasomphung no road development activities had been seen for the past 30 years and expressed strong suspicion that public funds are being embezzled by unscrupulous elements with the patronage of those at the helm of affairs.
he also recounted visit of the Works Minister K Ranjit to the sub-divisional headquarters and assurance to the public that road development works would be taken up.
Kasumphang regretted the assurance still remains to be translated into action.
Meanwhile, Jojo Robertson informed that slushy condition of monsoon season transforms into dust during drier months but the risk factor remains as not only is the visibility range reduced there is lingering fear of health hazard from inhaling dust particles.
He also made a fervent appeal to timber traders to cease their activities during monsoon season so that condition of road do not deteriorate further.
Information has been received that protesting absence of basic infrastructure and inadequacy of medical personnel the PHC in the sub-divisional headquarters has been shut down by the people about a week back.
Condition of four other PHSCs in the sub-division is even worse, conveyed some locals who also deplored absence of telecommunication facility for the only BSNL tower is yet to function as OFC cable line has been uprooted due to road widening work.
ironically, the OFC cable is strung from Thoubal while the jurisdiction falls under SDO (BSNL), Ukhrul and the maintenance work is the responsibility of Imphal office.
Jojo expressed strong desire that relevant measures be initiated by authority concerned at the earliest to help the people keep in touch with the outside world, atleast through telephone.
It is also informed that under NEC funding initial works for installation of a 33/11 KV power sub-station began only to be abandoned before completion.
At Nambasi village, the only Government High School is facing problem of teacher inadequacy, and deplorable infrastructure including the building structure.
However, effort of the villagers has been able to convince the children attend school regularly.
Inspite of lack of basic infrastructure being the trademark of primary level schools in the sub-division, Tarong Primary School has the highest number of students.
A visibly upset Jojo Robertson raised a poser to the SPF Government as to what development initiative had been undertaken during the twoterm tenure of the O Ibobi Singh-led Government of Manipur.