ICHAM memo to CM castigates BRO
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 21 2011:
Not satisfied with the manner and pace with which the BRO is working on NH 37 (Imphal-Jiribam highway), the Information Centre for Hill Areas Manipur (ICHAM) submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister today.
Earlier, a team of ICHAM including its president and advisors called on Governor Gurbachan Jagat and submitted another memorandum on the same issue on October 18 .
It was reported that the Governor assured the ICHAM whatever possible would be done from his side for development of NH 37 .
The memorandums submitted to the Governor and the Chief Minister highlighted that the BRO submitted false reports to the Union as well as State Governments.
ICHAM also highlighted their displeasure over BRO's alleged slackness in repairing/developing the highway.
During an inspection trip, only around 17 labourers were seen working on the highway.
Except for this, there was no sign of BRO working on the highway with commitment.
Quoting Commandant of BRO's 765 Battalion based at Golarthol, ICHAM conveyed that the Assam based ABCI Limited and Gautam Construction Company to which some portions of the highway's metalling and black topping works have been outsourced by the BRO, are yet to begin their work.
Again, quoting the same commandant who reportedly stated that the highway development work can be completed by March 2013, ICHAM contradicted the Commandant saying that they simply cannot believe in such claims.
On the other hand, Union Defence Minister AK Antony in a letter written to Chief Minister Okram Ibobi on July 27 this year stated that BRO was working on the highway with full vigour.
The letter further claimed that BRO was engaging seven officers, 169 staff, 1280 casual paid labourers and 64 different kinds of vehicles and equipment in the highway development work.
The letter also conveyed BROs claim of completing the highway development work
by December 2013 .
However, ICHAM during its trip from September 14 to 16, could see neither the stated workforce nor the machinery.
This only testified that the BRO was misleading the Union Defence Minister by giving false report.
Highlighting all these points, ICHAM urged for setting up a committee comprising of relevant Ministries and departments of both the Union Government and the State Government to monitor the BRO's work pace on NH 37 on monthly basis.
ICHAM also appealed to the State Government to look into the complaints of BRO about shortage of stones and security required for the highway development work.
Another appeal of ICHAM mentioned in the memorandum was deployment of IRBs and State forces in adequate strength along Imphal-Jiribam highway so as to ward off any sort of disturbance to vehicular traffic.
During his meeting with ICHAM members, the Governor too expressed strong scepticism against BRO's claim of completing the highway development work by 2013 .
The Governor further informed the visiting team that he would take up the matter with the Defence Minister, Home Minister and other relevant officials at Delhi on October 29 and 30 .
Presently, both NH 37 and NH 2 are being blockaded in connection with Sadar Hills district issue.
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