Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, October 26:
Raising serious questions over the pace of rural infrastructure development in Manipur’s Kamjong district, social worker Eno. Ashang Kasar has sought urgent intervention from Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh over the reported lack of satisfactory action on four important road projects estimated at a combined ¹ 6.26 crore.
In a representation submitted to the Chief Minister on October 24, Kasar called for an impartial inquiry into the apparent inaction following an office memorandum issued by the Additional Chief Engineer, Public Works Department (PWD), on March 20, 2026, concerning road improvement works in the district.
Highlighting the pressing need for reliable road connectivity across remote villages, Kasar urged the state government to direct the competent authorities to examine the status of the projects, verify the relevant records and ensure that necessary action is taken without further delay.
In a striking demonstration of his concern for the region’s development, Kasar has also taken the initiative to begin work along the Ramvaa (Lambul)–Hongbel road corridor, deploying two JCB machines to undertake preliminary road work a few days ago.
The move underscores the difficulties confronting communities dependent on rural roads for everyday travel, access to essential services and the transportation of agricultural produce and other goods.
Four road projects under the spotlight
According to the representation, the four projects cover several villages and road stretches across Kamjong district.
The first involves the repair and improvement of the four-kilometre road connecting the PMGSY road to the old village site of Lungphu, with an amount of Rs. 1,34,22,027 cited in the representation.
The second project concerns the four-kilometre road from Marou village’s PMGSY road to Khleram. The representation cites an amount of Rs. 1,34,23,023 for the work.
The third project proposes improvement of the road from Leingangching S. Laho village to Nongdam (T), passing through Sikibung, Thawai (T), Riha, Lamlai Khunou, Ramsey, Chadong Maphou, Chadong and Louphong. Its estimated amount is Rs. 1,78,96,881.
The fourth project covers the Ramvaa (Lambul)–Hongbel corridor, passing through Shokvao, Lungphu, Shirts, Marou, Shingkap, Tangkhul Hundung Khullen, Tangkhul Hundung Khunou, Itham, Bohoram and Chongdan. The representation puts its estimated cost at Rs. 1,78,96,612.
The combined figure cited for the four projects is Rs. 6,26,38,543. However, the amounts and their allocation status require verification against official PWD orders and project records.
Questions over follow-up action
Kasar expressed concern that satisfactory progress had not come to his notice despite the March 20 memorandum issued by the Additional Chief Engineer, PWD.
He asked the Chief Minister to order an impartial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the apparent delay and establish what follow-up action, if any, had been taken by the responsible authorities.
The representation stressed that the roads are essential to connecting isolated settlements, facilitating access to healthcare and educational institutions, supporting agricultural activities and stimulating local economic development.
For residents of remote areas, poor road connectivity can mean prolonged journeys, difficulties in transporting patients and essential supplies, and increased costs for farmers and traders. Continued deterioration of rural roads can deepen these hardships and impede development.
Social worker steps in
Kasar’s decision to deploy two JCB machines on the Ramvaa–Hongbel stretch has brought a practical dimension to his appeal for government intervention.
The road traverses multiple villages and could provide an important link for communities along the corridor. His initiative reflects the urgency of addressing local connectivity concerns, although the work undertaken independently does not replace the need for properly funded, technically supervised and accountable public infrastructure projects.
The representation was copied to the Chief Engineer, PWD, Government of Manipur, for necessary attention.
With four road projects now placed before the Chief Minister, the key questions are whether the March memorandum led to concrete action, what the verified status of the proposed works is, and when the affected communities can expect tangible improvements.
For Kamjong’s villages, the issue extends beyond road construction figures: it is about dependable connectivity, access to essential services and the government’s responsiveness to long-standing rural development needs.