IMPHAL, April 19: Ahead of the proposed visit of President of the country Pranab Mukherjee who is scheduled to take part in the ‘’Khongjom Lal Numit’ observation to be organized by the government at Khongjom Kheba Ching on April 23, construction of the monument cum tourist centre at the memorial complex is going on a war footing.
However, in all likelihood, completion of the construction ahead of the President’s visit seems far-fetched at the moment.
The monument erected at the memorial complex, which will be inaugurated by the President has been nicely painted in white colour.
Each of the three pillars of the monument is 121 feet tall with a diameter measuring 1.30/3 meters at the base and 1/3 meter at the peak.
The memorial monument can be seen clearly from the Imphal-Moreh Road stretch of the National Highway-2.
Blacktopping of the new road which leads to the top of Kheba Ching has also been completed.
The gate of the road is aligned in a perfect straight line with the pillars on top the hill.
Besides building a bridge, a nicely decorated pond inside the complex has also been constructed to add charm to the memorial site.
The distance from the gate to the pond is approximately 600 meters.
Steps leading from the foothill to the hill top for differently abled persons to use, are also being constructed.
The monument cum tourist centre is collectively designed by noted personalities including Ratan Thiyam, Heisnam Kanhailal, Thoidingjam Tombi, Mutuwa Bahadur and Aribam Shyam Sharma.
As stated by superintendent engineer of Works department Ningombam Subhas, top officials of the department including its Chief Engineer have been engaged in the construction to ensure that it is completed ahead of the President’s visit.
Admitting that there will be some lapses in completion of the construction, he said a target has, however, been set to complete the construction at the earliest.
He earnestly appealed to the people to extend cooperation in the construction.
AE Monitoring and Quality Control Division of the department, Ningombam Jilla also explained briefly the ongoing construction works.
On the other hand, hectic construction of the Wangjing Kodompokpi Ground where the President will be visiting is also going on. The ground which is situated inside the sports complex will be inaugurated by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh tomorrow.
Preparation for barricading route of the President, from Kodompokpi to Kheba Ching along the highway has also been made.