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Our Correspondent
Imphal, April 21 (EMN): A three-day ‘Public hearing seeking feedback of the affected persons, finalisation of the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) report and Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP)’ for acquisition of land for construction of the Imphal ring road within Manipur’s Imphal East district concluded today.
The affected landowners shared their concerns, while some also raised misunderstanding regarding acquisition and urged the concerned parties to clear it first. Replying to the public feedback, Dr. T Brajakumar, joint director of Environment and Climate Change said, “We’re getting positive support and suggestions from the public. Now, we will enhance the existing (first draft) report for further recommendations. Likewise, a similar public hearing for Imphal West district will be held soon”, he said.
Different landowners affected by the proposed Imphal Ring Road Project participated in all the public hearings, which were conducted at six venues in the last three days.
It may be noted that the first public hearing was held at Bashikhong in Imphal East district on April 19.
The proposed 47.765 km long Imphal ring road will pass through 25 villages in Imphal East district. The state government has to acquire 28.20694 hectares of land in Imphal East district alone as a result of which, 707 pattadars will be affected.
As per the draft report of social impact assessment on acquisition of land for construction of Imphal Ring road within Imphal East district, the Imphal ring road project was approved by the state cabinet in 2013, while the department of Economic Affairs under Finance ministry sent a proposal to grant USD 122 million for the project on February 24, 2020.
The ring road aims to ensure quick access to the important establishments of the city, which include administrative offices, health care, academic establishments and commercial centres. Besides, it will facilitate inner-bypasses for all three national highways resulting in reduction of traffic congestion in Imphal city.