Imphal: Days after Meitei MLAs took a pledge to protect Manipur’s integrity during the Kangla meet with Arambai Tengol, a valley-based radical group, chief minister Nongthombam Biren flagged off the Imphal Ring Road Project on Monday.
The project is estimated to cost around Rs. 1,766 crores. Speaking at the event, chief minister N Biren mentioned that Manipur is currently facing challenges, and the state’s residents are enduring hardships. He assured that the state government would safeguard Manipur from vested interest groups aiming to disrupt its unity. He emphasized the importance of unity among the people and sought their support and cooperation.
Also read | Gaan-Ngai 2024 Delhi NCR Celebration Highlights Rongmei Culture
The 51.23 km ring road project will receive financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and is expected to be completed by 2026. Out of the total cost, the ADB will sanction Rs. 1374.75 crores for the construction of roads and bridges, while the remaining amount will be borne by the state and central governments for land acquisition and other expenses. Ninety percent of the ADB loan amount will be in the form of a grant, and the remaining 10 percent (Rs. 137.47 crore) and the interest will be repaid by the centre.
Addressing the formal program organized by the Public Works Department, government of Manipur at Takyel Khongbal Maning Leikai, Patsoi, Imphal West, chief minister N Biren stated that the state government is undertaking various developmental projects to enhance the living standards of the people. He emphasized that leaders should always work for the welfare of the grassroots population.
Also read | 8th International Conference & Gathering of Elders Begins in Northeast India
The chief minister provided updates on the ongoing Lamphelpat Waterbody Rejuvenation Project, estimated at around Rs. 650 crores, which is expected to be completed soon. The project covers 300 acres of water body area and around 140 acres for a recreation center. Additionally, plans are underway to connect the recreation center and the Imphal View Tower at Cheirao Ching through a cable car.
N Biren expressed satisfaction that migratory birds, unseen for around 109 years, have returned to Lamphelpat. He also highlighted the government’s initiatives to clean the Nambul river and transport household waste through pipelines to the Sewerage treatment plant. He raised concerns about environmental degradation due to mass deforestation and the potential water scarcity the State could face in the future, emphasizing the importance of preserving water bodies.
Also read | Eastern Naga National Government Merged with NSCN-IM for Greater Interest of Nagas
The chief minister announced the development of the ground at Takyel Khongbal Maning Leikai under the newly launched scheme “Khungang Ama Sanabung Ama.” He also informed about the development of Oriental College in Patsoi Assembly Constituency, with a project costing Rs. 6.40 crores, covered under the College Fagathansi Mission with an additional amount of Rs. 2.5 crore. Road development work in Patsoi AC is also planned with an estimated cost of Rs. 7.2 crore from the State Budget.
In his keynote address on the Imphal Ring Road Project, Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam shared that the plan for the project started in 2015-16 and was approved in 2020. The project incorporates a noise pollution control mechanism, the first of its kind in India, making it an environmentally friendly road. The road will consist of 9.5 km of 4 lanes and 41.5 km of 2 lanes with paved shoulders. An 18 km stretch will be greenfield with solar lamps, footpaths, and a cycle lane. Various amenities, including food plazas, will be set up along the 4-lane stretch. The project is expected to generate 18 lakh man-days of direct employment and 13.5 lakh man-days of indirect employment.
Also read | Manipur: Security Intensifies Ahead of Arambai Tenggol’s Meeting with Valley Legislators
Minister Govindas also mentioned other key projects envisioned by the chief minister, such as the Rigid Pavement of roads in Greater Imphal and the Manipur State Road Improvement Programme. Out of the 2044.45 km stretch of road in Greater Imphal, the central government has approved the rigid pavement for a 547 km stretch, with funding from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
Ministers Awangbow Newmai, Heikham Dingo, Khashim Vashum, Chairman of Hill Areas Committee Dinganglung Gangmei, members of the Legislative Assembly, chief secretary, and senior government officials attended the program, among others. The chief minister handed over cards to beneficiaries of the Chief Minister’s Widow Pension Scheme, Manipur Old Age Pension Scheme, Ujjwala Yojana, and Ration Cards on the occasion.
Also read | Assam Rifles Investiture Ceremony 2024 held at Manipur Raj Bhavan
About The Author
