Manipur's Ukhrul district strives to repair dilapidated roads

Roads are a lifeline and the conduit of life's activities.

Maintenance of good road and connectivity are the pivotal for development in society.

Nestled at a 5,453 feet above sea level with a population of over 183, 115 000, Ukhrul district is a home to the Tangkhul Naga tribe of Manipur.

The district lies on a mountain top, 84 kilometers away from Imphal airport, and has abundant fauna and flora.

Though blessed with a beautiful landscape and many well-known tourist destinations like Shirui Lily, Phangrei Peak and many other spots, road connectivity is in a poor state.

Fed up with the state government's indifference and neglect, the people of Ukhrul have taken matters into their own hands and started repair work of roads themselves.

One such initiative is a 200-meter stretch of road between Gandhi Chowk at Phungreitang to the UBI bank at Viewland.

A committee going by the name Ukhrul Town Road Movement (UTRM) has been overseeing the construction work, and the first phase has been rolled out.

Another stretch of road that is under repair is a five kilometer long stretch from Dungrei Junction to Kasomtang.

Crowd funding and availability of free physical labour has made these two projects possible.

All the machinery required for the construction like concrete mixer, road rollers, excavators, bulldozers are all private contributions and youngsters are reaching out openly for the cause.

After the Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) took over in 2011, some major road construction was initiated, but was stopped when no one bothered to maintain the roads.

The citizen movement has sent out a stronger message to policy makers and administrators not to be lax about their responsibilities.