IT News
Imphal, May 28:
The Uripok-Kangchup road has been severed at Lamsang Bazar due to relentless rain, causing severe disruptions to transportation and economic activities.
“We have seen this problem many times, and the authorities are not addressing it. The construction company has also failed to expedite the work on the new bridge. We are facing enormous challenges in our economic activities,” said a local grocery seller.
This recurring issue highlights a significant failure on the part of the government, which neglected to construct an alternative bridge during the new bridge’s construction. Hindustan Construction Company, responsible for the new bridge, has neglected the welfare of Lamsang Bazar and its adjoining areas, exacerbating the community’s struggles.
“This main road leads to Khwairamband Keithel, and when it is cut off, we struggle to find an alternative route since all other options add more than three kilometers to the journey. Moreover, the alternative routes are in bad shape,” said a commuter.
During the rainy season, commuters have frequently been affected by the lack of an alternative bridge and the road being cut off due to water flowing over the culvert. The main problem is that they have constructed only a culvert without proper blacktopping, resulting in dust and mist. This negligence has impacted homes and commercial stores, causing health problems as well.
The Uripok-Kangchup road serves as a lifeline for the communities it connects, yet its importance is often overshadowed by the persistent disruptions caused by heavy rains and water overflows.
These disruptions not only inconvenience daily commuters but also pose significant challenges during emergency situations, especially when it comes to transporting injured individuals from areas like Kadangband, Phayeng, and Kangchup.
A concerned youth, actively involved in safeguarding the village, highlighted the critical role of this road, emphasizing that any cut-off could severely hamper emergency response efforts, forcing emergency vehicles to seek alternative, often longer and more cumbersome routes.
Adding to the complexity of the situation are the recurrent attacks by Kuki militants in the region, which further underscore the need for a reliable and accessible transportation route. Despite repeated appeals from local clubs and communities, including requests to the relevant authority, HCCL, for the construction of an alternative temporary bridge, there has been a disappointing lack of response.
The issue has also caught the attention of the broader public, with many expressing frustration at the apparent indifference of the Government to the challenges faced by residents along the Uripok-Kangchup road. This neglect not only hampers daily life but also jeopardizes the ability of emergency services to function effectively, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures and solutions to address these pressing issues.