Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 27 2009:
Manipur was left out of a video conference on the work progress of roads developed under Special Accelerated Road Development Programme (ASRDP) in North East region held yesterday.
The conference was presided by Union Cabinet Secretary KM Chandrasekhar.
The video conference participated by Chief Secretaries of the eight North Eastern States skipped Manipur contending that the programme was not implemented in the State of Manipur.
Expecting that they would be given their turn to highlight work progress in Manipur, the Chief Secretary, officials of BRO and Works Department waited throughout the conference.
After all other States of the North East have given their reports, the Chief Secretary of Manipur reminded that the State was yet to present its report.
To this, Secretary of the Union Road Transport and Highways Ministry maintained that the programme was yet to be implemented in Manipur.
Though taken aback by the Secretary's ignorance, the State officials pointed out that NH 53 and Maram-Peren roads were being developed in Phase A of ASRDP, conveyed a source.
The State officials are also considering to lodge a complaint at the level of Prime Minister against the haughty attitude shown by Union Government officials yesterday.
On the other hand, it is reported that several portions of NH 39 between Mao and Maram are in very bad condition.
It is feared that these portions may cave in any time.
Officials of the Union Surface Transport Ministry were shown the pathetic conditions of the highway a few days back, said the source.
Meanwhile, it has been published in the gazette notification of the Centre that repairing and maintenance work of NH 39 from Mao to Imphal would be done by the State Government.