Imphal, August 27 2009: Although the North Eastern Council (NEC) had sanctioned an amount of about Rs 82 crores for construction of the 127 km long Shinghat-Shingjol-Tuivai Road, there is strong apprehension that around Rs 60 crores would be forfeited following undue interference from a UG group which is a signatory of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement.

According to an official source from the Works Department, in December 2005 NEC sanctioned about Rs 82 crores for the purpose of construction work including culvert, retaining wall, drainage and expansion along the 127 km long Shinghat-Shingjol-Tuivai Road.

Out of this total sanctioned amount, NEC had already released Rs 22 crores.

Along with submission of the utilisation certificate for the released amount, the State Government has been making efforts to ensure release of the remaining fund through invitation of tender over the last 2/3 years.

But none of the contractors responded to the tender notice after a UG group which is also a signatory of SoO has threatened them from acknowledging the tender notice.

There have also been past instances in which the UG group in question detained or tried to set on fire JCB machines that Works Department had provided for clearing landslides along the road connecting Imphal and Aizawl.

In the latest instance too, the SoO signatory tried to set on fire JCB machine which had been despatched for repairing works of the road ahead of the Power Minister's recent visit to Songtal in connection with inauguration of a Biomass Gasifier Power Plant, the source disclosed.

Earlier a major district road, the State Government had upgraded the Shinghat-Shingjol-Tuivai Road to the level of a State Highway and a proposal has already been submitted to the Government of India for further upgradation as a National Highway.

To ensure early approval of the proposal, the State Government has also established communication with the Mizoram Government for exerting pressure on the Government of India jointly.

Being an important route, the State Govt has also been trying its best to improve the condition of the road.

But due to interference of the SoO signatory, the remaining amount of Rs 60 crores to be received from NEC is likely to be forfeited, the source expressed.

The construction of the road had been taken over by the State Government from BRO although some organisations in Churachandpur district insist that the task be handed over to BRO.

Whether responsibility be given to the BRO or not depends on political decision.

Even if the BRO is assigned the task, the State Government has to complete the works already started, the source explained.

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