IT News
Imphal, July 2:
The persistent negligence by the Government and Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), responsible for constructing a new bridge at Lamsang Bazar, has led to numerous floods and accidents over the past three years due to the improper construction of temporary arrangements for the bridge. This carelessness has significantly disrupted transportation and economic activities and posed a serious threat to life. The root cause of these problems is HCC’s failure to construct a temporary bridge, opting instead to build only a culvert without proper blacktopping. This has resulted in flooding during the rainy season and dust and mist during winter and other dry seasons. This negligence has also impacted homes and commercial stores, causing various health problems.
The Uripok-Kangchup Road, a crucial artery connecting communities such as Kangchup, Phayeng, Kadangband, Lairenkabi, Heibongpokpi, Haorang, and other regions to Uripok and other regions via Lamsang Bazar, has been particularly affected. Now, the Uripok-Kangchup Road has been severed. This is the second time in less than five days at Lamsang Bazar due to rain. This has severely impacted transportation and local businesses. The situation has also endangered lives, with two individuals being swept away but fortunately rescued in time while attempting to cross the road to reach their homes. The latest incident occurred last night around 10 p.m.
Local residents are increasingly exasperated with the inaction of authorities and Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), demanding swift measures to address the persistent safety and infrastructure issues. Today, local club members voiced their grievances to Imphal Times, highlighting the suffering not only in Lamsang Bazar but also along the entire Uripok-Kangchup Road.
Herojit Laishram, Joint Secretary of the Progressive Youth Association, Lamsang Bazar, stated: “We have repeatedly implored HCC to construct a temporary bridge instead of the inadequate box culvert, but our pleas have fallen on deaf ears. The recent rains have once again severed the road at Lamsang Bazar, causing immense hardship. This has been a recurring issue over the past three years. In just the last five days, we’ve witnessed two life-threatening incidents, with the latest occurring last night around 10 p.m.”
Malemnganba Yumnam, driving a Pleasure vehicle, attempted to cross the culvert to reach his home in Lairenkabi amidst the overflowing river. The strong current swept away his vehicle, but he managed to jump off and was rescued in time.
Herojit continued: “The Lamsang Bazar bridge is crucial, and when floodwater flows over the culvert, it completely cuts off the Uripok-Kangchup Road. Over the past thirteen months, there have been numerous instances of violence and gun attacks in areas like Kangchup, Kadangband, and Phayeng due to ongoing ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. In emergencies, like when someone is injured and needs urgent medical attention, ambulances must navigate this precarious culvert. Now that the road is severed again, if there’s any incident of gunfire, how will our people survive? We are particularly concerned about our village defense volunteers. What if someone is injured? How will we ensure ambulances reach the hospitals?”
The issue has garnered widespread public attention, with many expressing frustration at the Government’s seeming indifference to the challenges faced by residents along the Uripok-Kangchup Road. This negligence not only disrupts daily life but also undermines the effectiveness of emergency services. It underscores the critical need for immediate, proactive measures and sustainable solutions to address these urgent issues. Despite repeated appeals from local clubs and communities, including urgent requests to HCCL for the construction of an alternative temporary bridge, there has been a disheartening lack of response.