IMPHAL, January 13: The government is trying hard to bring equal development in both the hills and the valley, said Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today after inaugurating a 33/11 KV Power Sub-Station and SDO office complex at Saitu Gamphazol, Gamnom Saparmeina.
The Chief Minister said his government is keen on availing civil administration in the interior parts of the hill districts.
Further in his speech, the Chief Minister observed that the developmental works of the government cannot be successful without co-operation from the people.
He appealed to the people not to create disturbances against the government undertaken development projects and vandalizing public properties.
Several water supply schemes undertaken in the hills are yet to be completed due to hindrances created from numerous angles, he lamented.
Pointing out that the National Highways are under the Centre’s Surface Transport ministry and that the ministry is responsible for the repairing and construction of the highways, he appealed to all sections of the society not to imposed bandhs and blockades against non-repairing of the highways.
The Chief Minister also asserted that the State had initiated the process of repairing the highway stretch from Mao to Maram and from Maram to Senapati Head Quarter at the cost of Rs 10 crore (approx.) however threats have been received stating that unless 5 percent is paid the works cannot be undertaken.
This is unfortunate, he observed urging the people to support the government endeavours.
Stating that communication serves as the backbone of development, the Chief Minister announced that by the end of the present working season that is April, inter-village connectivity in the hill districts will be completed by at least 95-96 percent if not cent per cent.
He further assured that repairing works of the Imphal-Saikul Road which is an important road of Sadar Hills will be taken up as a top priority during this working season.
Basic amenities like electricity, hospital or school are being constructed in the interior parts of the hill districts, he said adding that with the objective to provide equal development throughout the State, the government is developing infrastructure in the interior parts of the State including at Jessami (bordering Nagaland) in Ukhrul district, New Somtal (on Myanmar border) and Khengjoy in Chandel district, Tousem in Tamenglong district, Thanlon and Tipaimukh in Churachandpur district.
He further said that for the three sub-divisions in Sadar Hills namely Kangpokpi, Saikul and Saitu Gamphazol, there is only one treasury at Kangpokpi and as such process has been initiated to set up another treasury at Saitu Gamphazol which is awaiting approval of the RBI at present.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said there has been a lot of development in the interior parts of Manipur today.
The government, he said trying to equally develop both the hill and the valley.