Universal News Agency
Imphal July 28: For the last three decades Manipur PWD has failed to maintain 95 km from Tamenglong- Tousem via Haflong, Assam said Dikham Gonmei, chairmen Development Committee Tousem Block-52 Tamei A/C on Saturday.
According to the chairmen that the Tamenglong-Tousem-Haflong Road (95 Kms) funded by North Eastern Council (NEC) and which was included in the sixth five year plan was executed during 1980-1993 by PWD Manipur.
But the PWD Manipur failed to complete the work despite its construction for long 13 years and handed over to BRO in 1994 during a President rule imposed in Manipur added Dikham.
The work kept pending over the controversy arise on alignment and sub-standard of work. Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF) seriously agitation were launch immediately for resumption of work by BRTF.
Following to this effect MOU were signed on 1st April 1997. But the work cannot be carry out in full-swing due to controversial funding.
Therefore, BRO dropped the work on 7th July 2000 when the advisor (Transport and Communication) NEC issued an order to the Director General of Border Road Organization to stop the construction of Tamenglong-Tousem-Haflong road further said Dikham.
Subsequently, special Development Seminar wewe held on 10th & 11th November 2000 at Tamenglong Head Quarter with the MHA and the Government of Manipur.
During the seminar a sum of Rs. 42.71 crores was earmark for this project and WAPCOS were engaged by NEC to prove the survey and analyzed the Proposed Alignment of BRTF.
It was done during 9th January to last part of February 2001. The report of its finding and recommendation was submitted to NEC for allowing the BRO to go ahead with the work. But the Government is reluctant to the term imposed by NEC.
Meanwhile, the secretary of the Development Committee Tousem block Mr.Haimasuang also added that on this issue, public pressures were made repeatedly through memorandum, representation/ultimatum to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Ministers of Disinvestment in NEI and Minister of DoNERs etc,
And also protest in democratically by none participation in the Independence Day on 15th August 2002 and worn the black badge on the 53rd Indian Republic Day 2003, which was launched to protest against the non fulfillment of this road.
Secretary of the Development Committee further mentioned that contrary to the interest of the public, the government of Manipur has taken back from BRO-BRTF out of the revised estimated sanction order from NEC for resumption of the balance work. Then the NEC has released Rs.2 crore on 6th January 2004. But the condition of the road remains the same without making any sign of improvement and progress.
He further added that during the visit of PR Kyndiah Tribal Welfare minister to Tamenglong Hqtr on 3rd October 2006, while addressing the gathering he had openly declared to primarily take up the work for the construction of the Tamenglong-Tousem-Haflong road.
Following to his assurance on February 21, 2007 a team of union minister government of India and all Indian Congress Committee visited Tousem sub-division HQ led by O. Ibobi Singh chief minister of Manipur and they also make assurance in the public meeting to expedite construction of the 95 km long road under the direct initiative of UPA government.
The Union Minister of Home Affair P.Chidambaram also visited to Tousem Sub Division on 3rd November 2011 and further reassured to the general public of Tousem for immediate construction of the Roads on priority basis. But so far nothing concrete step has been not taken-up till date.
Over and above to make the matter worse due to recent incessant rainfall and subsequent flooding the Baily bridge over Makru river between Tousem and Azuram has been totally cut off on July first week, he added.
The Development Committee Tousem block secretary Mr.Haimasuang appeal the concern authority to kindly review the outstanding promises and fulfill the long aspiration of the poor people of Tousem sub-division challenging to historic failure of 30th years of long construction of the said roads.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/tamenglong-tousem-road-in-pathetic-conditions/
