IMPHAL, August 22: Parts of the National Highway 37, leading from Wahengbam Leikai till Sagolband Meino Leirak was blocked by irate public of the area demanding urgent blacktopping of the said road stretch. The road remained shut off to traffic from 9 am onwards and vehicles had to make a detour along the Uripok Kanchup road.
The demand to improve the road has been witnessed since for quite some time and on 16 August, there was complaint from concerned citizens that the road will be blocked if necessary works are not taken up.
In this regard women and youths of the area took to the streets and diverted the traffic. The situation came to an end after Sagolband MLA RK Imo came to meet the protestors. There he summoned the concerned authorities of the Public Works Department.
Later, a meeting was held and after assurance from the concerned namely, additional chief engineer, Temba and EE Debendra that the repairs will start within a week’s time, vehicular movement was allowed, which was about 12.30 pm.
The MLA also urged the officials to take up measures as the residents of the area have been bearing the conditions for the last two years. He himself assured the public that even if the PWD officials fail to act, he himself will personally address the predicament by using any means possible.
It may be mentioned that the work tender of the highway will be finalized by the first week of September, according to sources, funds amounting to Rs 17 crore will be utilized for the 2.63 km stretch from Wahengbam Leikai to Oriental College.