“Unlocking Ukhrul Model”: DC Asish Das Launches Ambitious 300 Km Rural Road Renovation Drive under MGNREGA

Special  Correspondent 
Ukhrul, November 1:
In a visionary move to transform Ukhrul district’s connectivity and accelerate grassroots development, Deputy Commissioner Asish Das has written an open appeal to all Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Village Development Committees (VDCs), and the people of Ukhrul, calling for united action in repairing and renovating 300 kilometres of rural roads under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
In his message titled “Unlocking Ukhrul Model: Repair/Renovation of 300 Km Rural Roads in Ukhrul”, the DC emphasized that connectivity remains the backbone of progress, and poor road conditions have long been a major obstacle to the district’s social and economic growth. He highlighted that the initiative is not just an administrative programme but a collective movement to empower villages and bridge the developmental gap.
“As we strive to unlock the full potential of our district, we recognize that connectivity is a crucial factor in driving development,” wrote Das. “Unfortunately, many parts of our district face significant challenges in this regard, hindering our progress.”
The initiative calls on every Village Development Committee to take responsibility for repairing or renovating at least two kilometres of road within their jurisdiction. The DC urged VDCs to collaborate closely with their Block Development Officers (BDOs) to identify the most urgent stretches requiring attention.
Once implemented, the 300-kilometre renovation plan is expected to create a massive transformation in mobility, improving access to education, healthcare, and markets, while generating local employment through MGNREGA. The project also aims to strengthen the rural economy by linking remote villages with main roads and promoting inclusive development across Ukhrul’s hilly terrain.
The DC expressed optimism that with wholehearted participation from all stakeholders, the project could be completed before Christmas, marking a symbolic new beginning for the district.
“Let us work together to complete this project before Christmas and pave the way for a brighter future for our district,” he appealed. “Let this be the first step for many more such initiatives to come.”
The “Unlocking Ukhrul Model” initiative has already begun to draw attention from various local organisations and community leaders who view it as a model of participatory governance, where people and administration jointly take ownership of development.
If successfully executed, the plan could redefine Ukhrul’s rural landscape—transforming rough, neglected pathways into smooth corridors of opportunity and hope.