Club reminds CM of NH-53 existence
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 29 2011: Asking the Chief Minister to take some interest in the development of National Highway 53 from Imphal to Jiribam just like any other development works like the Capital Project, Khuga Dam, etc, United Club NH-53, Manipur has suggested that the Chief Minister should conduct an inspection tour on the present condition of NH-53 along with his Cabinet colleagues.

Addressing a press conference today, president of United Club NH-53, Manipur Thongam Shyama Khaba Nganba informed that members of the United Club conducted an inspection visit of NH-53 on April 17, 18 and 20 and the team came across only around 17 or 18 local labourers working along the Highway with 4 to 5 JCBs.

There was no sight of any GREF or BRO labourers.

He pointed out that the construction work along the road stretch from Keithelmabi to Noney Bazar may have been completed.

But it is yet to begin from Noney Bazar to Nungba Bazar.

After crossing Nungba Bazar, the condition of the road is so miserable that it is hard to imagine what the condition would be like once the rainy season sets in, Khaba Nganba said.

Attention Mr CM Sir : NH-53 as in Jan 2011

Recalling that Union Home Secretary GK Pillai had announced a package of Rs 300 crores for the development of NH-53 and the contract was given to the BRO, Khaba lamented that development work along the National Highway is yet to be completed although the rainy season is about to commence.

If the BRO is not going to be able to complete the work in time, the Government should hand over the contract to some other firms, he asserted.

From the sanctioned amount of Rs 300 crores for development of the 222 km long road stretch from Imphal to Jiribam, proper utilisation of just Rs 1 crore for each kilometre would have make the road perfect and the remaining Rs 78 crores could have been utilised in other developmental works of the State, he remarked.

To ensure speedy work, the Chief Minister and his Cabinet colleague should pay an inspection visit and directed the BRO to do the needful before the onset of rainy season, Khaba Nganba said, adding that the MLAs of Jiribam, Nungba, Tamenglong and Saitu Assembly Constituencies should also pay necessary attention in this regard.

The Chief Minister also needs to pay due importance to development NH-53, which is the lifeline of the people, just like any other developmental projects being taken up in the State, Khaba Nganba insisted.

As to the restriction imposed on carrying goods not more than 9 tonnes along NH-53, Khaba Nganba asserted that allowing the trucks to transport only 9 tonnes is not enough for the people of Manipur.

So, development of the National Highway should be done in such a manner that trucks can transport more than 20 tonnes.

While appealing to the people, NGOs and other social organisations for collective efforts in exerting pressure on the Government to ensure proper development of the National Highway, he also informed that the United Club would be carrying out yet another inspection visit to take stock of the progress in the development work of NH-53 on May 2 .