UKHRUL: The Chothe Lim Abom (Chothe Tribe Union) released a statement on Wednesday expressing condemnation over prolonged delay of road construction along the Pallel-Chandel Road up to Litan (15 km stretch).
The project which involves black topping work of the Pallel-Chandel-Litan stretch was executed by EE/PIU-II, Chandel, RED/MSRRDA, Government of Manipur, funded by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India under Package No. 2170 under Special Contractor Shri Mingthing Horam on August 6, 2019 with the stipulated date of completion set as February 5, 2021.
“It is deeply disturbing that, even after more than four years beyond the stipulated completion date, the project remains unfinished,” Chothe Lim Abom, Manipur (CLAM) stated. They also highlighted the importance of this road which serves as a critical lifeline for the local population who depend on it for daily commute but due to unfinished road surface, strewn with loose stone chips and excessive dust it has reportedly turned into a “deadly trap”.
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CLAM demands immediate intervention, accountability and transparency from the government and the executive agency, emphasizing on the contractor responsible to issue the completion of the blacktopping work without further delay. They have also strongly advised business operators to refrain from using the hazardous road particularly during late-night hours from 11 pm to 2 am until the road is made for use.
The Union also emphasized that all necessary legal and democratic avenues to ensure accountability and completion of the road solely for the benefit of the general public will be utilized if action is not taken promptly.