Published on
the 18th June,2022 by THJ and TMB
View from
the point of social, economic and infrastructure development of Manipur, the
entire regions of I.T Road Manipur that stretches from Kangpokpi to Tamei, a 71
KM distance, is per-se an eye witness where the problem for the state lies.
Like the rest of the regions in Manipur, I.T Road is no exception where overall
development can be equally achieved at par with the rest of the regions in
state. This however, have not met in the
region so far and prolong suffering over the negligence of the people of I.T
Road by authority concern is something that can possibly grilled today’s people
government if , at least, they are keened to adhered the voice of the voiceless
people of the state.
There have
been multiple areas where the people of in this regions are being denied of
their basic rights. These issues may not be new to all of us as several people,
be in their own capacity or collectively, have been reiterating the problems
faced in the region over the past months and years. Despite the region
invariably in the limelight for its poor infrastructure and due negligence by
the authority concern, no much efforts have been taken up so far by the
Government and concern officials. As a result of these many day-to-day economic
and social activities have been affected, posing more burdens to the public at
large.
Interestingly,
it can be noted that on the 21st May,2022 Manipur Honb’le Work
Minister , Shiri Govindas , accompanied by two other Honb’le Ministers, Shri
Awangbou Newmai and Nemcha Kipgen along with Honb’le MLA Shri Kyasi, and other
officials and Chief Engineer were on their mammoth visit to I.T Road to take
stock of the condition of the most neglected road in the region of the state.
Two weeks prior to their visit, Joint Monitoring and Development Committee,
JMDC, had take up certain initiatives, act as an emergency responder, in
connection to the then landslide, mudslide and clearing debris along the I.T
Road for the convenient passes of the passengers and other private vehicles so
as to avoid public nuisance and disturbance over govt’s negligence on the road.
There were multiple mudslides in more than 17 different locations in the areas due
to the incessant rainfall that took place last month. The rain not only caused
road blockage and resulted in an ill-feted condition, it also led to the rises
of the Irang river beyond its limit point and thus, damaging huge swathe of
paddy fields of the areas and blocked multiple canals as well. It was at this
juncture that the area of I.T.Road was reeling under its knees with no help
from concern officials and the visit of our Honb’le ministers, Honb’le MLA and
other high ranking Officials during such an hour of road infrastructure cries
were such a phenomenal day to the people of I.T Road.
During his
recent Felicitation programme by the Thadou Innpi Kangpokpi on the 10th
June,2022, the Chief Minister mentioned that the oldest road, the Imphal
Tamenglong Road, which had been neglected over the past many years will soon be
upgraded to National Highway in the coming future. He also stated that he met
Union Minister of Transport, Shri Nitin Gadkari, and discussed the matter with
him on this matter. Such assurance given by our Honb’le CM and his intention to
upgrade I.T Road into a national Highway will be indeed a noble gift, if
becomes a reality, to the people of I.T Road in particular as it will serve
permanent solution in the region. However, early to say it otherwise,
speculation is still on high alert as there has been no work process initiated so
far to proof his assurance to the people of I.T Road. Yet, we are still hoping that the people’s CM
will not disappoint the people of I.T Road unless the assurance he gave was a mere
lip service.
On Electricity:
Notwithstanding
of the fact that I.T Road is faced with multiple problems, electricity is also one
such major problems in the region. On the 2nd May, 2022, I have
stressed my opinion on I.T Road electricity published by ifp ( https://www.ifp.co.in/opinion/what-is-hindering-regular-power-supply-to-people-of-it-road-in-manipur) where I pointed out the issues
underlying the conundrum the people of the area faced. As electricity not only
change the livelihood of the areas, it also helps to boost the functioning of
daily economic and social activities thereby, making the people of the areas
more dependent on power supply. However, despite repeated appeals, the issue we
faced on electricity is never looking upon by concern authority until now which
compels the local heroes to solve the problems every time the power is
disrupted in the region. This is due to the fact that there is a shortage of
Linemen and technicians in the areas from both 33KV and 11KV. Having equipped
with this shortage staffs, major issue could be ultimately resolved.
As grievances
received from different section of people in the area, major affected ones due
to power cuts are those women who tend their infant child. During a continuous
power cut for two or more consecutive days most of the shopkeepers usually run
out of Candle stock as many in the area could not afford solar lamb or any
other unconventional lights. This is one major issue where authority in power
should take stock of the condition of women and poor family households. In the meantime, one unfortunate incident
that the govt may avoid in future in general interest is an incident like yesterday
where on account of BJP Executive meeting at Kangpokpi, the line supplying
power to I.T Road was cut-off. Such an act of undermining general public
interest at the behest of powerful citizen is undemocratic and can desirably be
avoided in future.
Mentioned
may also be made that infrastructure on health, education, telecom
communication and other several public sectors are still below its average.
This may be due to its geographical location and high terrain the region
developed. There may also underlie other factors where the demands of the area
can’t be fulfill. To some extent there is a general apprehension that
collective efforts from Govt and CSOs, NGOs and other public workers can bring
immense change to the region though effective participation and cordial
co-operation. More so, govt should reach
out their helping hands to social workers so as to keep the area stable and
peaceful. They should also acknowledge and give support to all voluntary social
workers who are invariably risking their lives in the absent of Govt staffs
while discharging their duties. This small act of kindness by the govt will
certainly improve the working condition of the area in general and to social
workers in particular as they could immensely be motivated while working for
the general public.
Needless to
say, the people in the region were hungry of development and economic changes
since the past many years. The newly inducted BJP Govt under the competent
leadership of Pu N.Biren and his cabinets may look into the matter of I.T Road
to bring social and economic changes in the region.
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