Ukhrul bypass road should stick to its route : VA
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, March 08 2024:
The Hunphun/Ukhrul Village Authority has expressed opposition against the proposed Ukhrul bypass road and reiterated its stand that the path of the NH-102(A) Ukhrul-Toloi-Tadubi road should not be deviated from the approved plan under any circumstances.
At a press meet held at the Hunphun VA's office Awungtang today, headman HA Khayaiwo said the village assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution that calls for the two-lane Highway to run through the heart of Ukhrul town (from Dungrei to Kharasom junction-7km) .
Any deviation of the path of the Highway is unacceptable, he said.
Khayaiwo informed that the village assembly has instituted a Highway Committee to oversee the issue and expedite the construction work in the interest of the residents of the Ukhrul town.
Khayui Raleng, the convener of the Highway Committee elaborated on the issue in detail.
Khayui said some affected landowners had lodged a complaint to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway in 2017 which delayed the execution of the work.
Today, everything has been settled at the village level, he added.
While Chief Minister N Biren Singh has been informed of the issue and urged for the NH-102A to pass through the heart of the town, local MLA Ram Muivah has also written a letter to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on the matter, Khayui said.
"Despite our repeated reminders and appeals, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway responded differently.
The Ministry said the bypass portion of the NH would cease to be part of the NH on its completion, and the responsibility for its improvement and maintenance would rest with the State Government.
"This is totally against the interest of the Ukhrul town and our demand.
The people of Ukhrul welcome the proposed 2 lane Ukhrul-Toloi-Tadubi package-1 bypass so long as the path of the Highway is not shifted from the town," he said.
The convener further stated the stand of the Ukhrul town is clear and its residents "will fight tooth and nail until our demands are fulfilled" .
Claiming there are some individuals working against the interest of Ukhrul/Hunphun village, Khayui said they have no legal right to interfere or represent the village in any office.
"Hunphun VA is the supreme authority related to land and village affairs," said Khayui.
He furthered said that the village authority has also submitted an objection to the survey of land for expansion of NH-102A within the jurisdiction of Ukhrul/Hunphun village to the SDO Ukhrul in connection with the issue of the proposed bypass.
"The authorities concerned should review its decisions and orders at earliest and make sure that the NH-102A passes through Ukhrul Town and sticks to the original plan," he added.
The original alignment for Highway expansion touches all localities of Ukhrul town and was supposed to be beneficial to all the residents of the town.
The expansion of the Highway to two lanes will ease traffic congestion considerably and ensure road safety, said Khayui.
Members of Village Authorities and Highway Committee, and local leaders were present in the press meet.