Locals Block National Highway in Imphal West to Protest Poor Road Conditions

Imphal, March 21: The deplorable National Highway 37, also known as the Imphal-Jiribam road, passing through areas like Langjing Achouba and Patsoi in Imphal West, has become a major concern for locals, who have expressed their frustration over the stalled construction work.

The road, which was initially undergoing blacktopping, has remained incomplete for an extended period, leaving large sections of the road without proper paving.

As a result, the road is plagued by thick dust, and during the monsoon season, it turns into a slippery and hazardous path, leading to frequent accidents and a rise in health issues in the surrounding areas.

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For months, residents of Langjing Achouba, Patsoi and nearby regions have been grappling with the poor condition of NH-37.

Locals have reported that the condition of the road has worsened over time, with dust clouds making life difficult for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

Furthermore, when it rains, the unpaved road becomes muddy, slippery, creating a perilous situation for commuters and increasing the number of accidents, including minor and severe injuries.

The situation has also led to health problems, with residents, particularly children and the elderly, facing respiratory issues due to the constant dust.

On Friday, the situation reached a boiling point when irate locals decided to take matters into their own hands.

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In a show of protest, they blocked the NH-37 road, for the fifth time, demanding the immediate completion of the blacktopping work and better road conditions.

The protestors, who included residents from Patsoi and nearby villages, voiced their dissatisfaction with the delay in the construction work and the lack of action from the concerned authorities. 

(Newmai News Network)