IT News
Imphal, April 15:
A coalition of local organisations from the Top Dusara area, including five prominent clubs and the Meira Paibis, has submitted a formal memorandum to the Governor of Manipur, urging immediate action regarding the sudden halting of a vital road development project. The road, being constructed under the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)-funded Manipur Urban Road Drainage and Asset Management Improvement Project (MURDAMIP), is the sole access route to the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (PM SHRI) in Yaralpat.
The Eastern Sporting Association, representing the coalition, claims that the project was abruptly stalled due to direct political interference by a local figure, allegedly for reasons not aligned with public welfare. They emphasized that the disruption comes at great cost to local residents, especially school-going children, daily commuters, and farmers who rely on the road for regular transport.
The MURDAMIP initiative is a major infrastructure effort aimed at enhancing over 547 kilometres of road in Imphal and adjoining areas. It includes provisions for concrete-line drainage systems, rigid pavements, pedestrian walkways, street lighting, and utility ducts. The stalled segment in Top Dusara, however, has turned hazardous, with increasing incidents of accidents, vehicle damage, and dust pollution.
The community leaders have called on the Governor to instruct district authorities and police to prevent any unlawful obstruction of the work. They have also appealed to the concerned implementing agency, Keystone Infra Pvt. Ltd., and the Public Works Department to resume and expedite the project, especially before the onset of the monsoon season.
They expressed concern that continued delay not only undermines international cooperation with development partners like AIIB but also contradicts the core mission of the PM SHRI scheme, which aims to provide quality infrastructure for education.
The memorandum concludes with a plea for swift and decisive action, stating that the road is a lifeline for multiple communities and its neglect is directly impacting education, health services, local livelihoods, and public morale.
