IMPHAL, August 8: “Let us be wise and stop believing to whatever people say. This is the time for development and we cannot miss the opportunity when it is knocking at our door”, said the deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam while inaugurating the Leimatak Bailey Bridge today.
It may be mentioned that Leimatak Bailey Bridge is located at Taosang Khunou under Nungba sub division of Tamenglong District.
Gaikhangam said that the bridge will serve as an important approach road in the construction of 66 MW capacity hydropower project at Irang area along the Loktak downstream. He further said that now state development direction is turn to Tamenglong district.
Gaikhangam further appealed to the people of Tamenglong District to give full cooperation to the Government while taking out developmental works in the district. He said we must welcome the people who have come to work by giving them good hospitality, adding that without the cooperation of the people any kind of project will not come to Tamenglong.
Gaikhangam also said that the district of Tamenglong has a bright future in the coming years. The district is a vital part of the State, which is why the State has brought so many important projects and many are under construction.
He cited the development works being taken up in the hill districts. An IIIT campus is going to be constructed soon in Mayangkhang of Senapati District. He assured that with the approval for creation of 5-6 more sub divisional offices in the hill districts recently by the cabinet, places like Houchong and Noney will soon reap the benefits of efficient administration.
Gaikhangam informed that the Old Cachar Road, known as Tongjei Maril, which is the road from Bishnupur to Rengpang having a distance of 90 KM will be upgraded to world-class road and the fund has already been sanctioned.
DPR for another hydroelectric project at Toubam over Irang River is also completed and Nungleiband Project, which will generate 60 MW of power, is also coming up, he added.
Kh Rantankumar, Works Minister who was also present on the occasion said the installation of 66 MW capacity hydro power project is a joint venture of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, NHPC and the State Government. The total cost of the project is Rs 867.77 crore, of which NHPC will bear 74 percent and 26 percent by the State.
He further said that PWD has taken the responsibility to construct the approach road and the bidge over the river. Today’s inaugurated bridge is one vital part of the project. This Bailey Bridge is 200 ft long and 10.9 fts height, and SPA funded, he said.
He also added that Tupul to Kasom Khullen road which could link six districts has started under the NESRIV project funding from Asian Development Bank. Around Rs 277 crores has been sanctioned for the project and recently the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has launched the construction work of Thoubal Kasom Khullen road on July 13 which is also a part of the project.