Public hearing on Imphal ring road to continue till May 25

Our Correspondent

ImphaL, May 24 (EMN): The 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 towards the construction of the Imphal ring road was held at Tharon village in Imphal on May 24.

The residents of Thangmeiband, Meitei Langol and Takyel khongbal localities including the affected landowners of Tharon village who took part in the public hearing, shared their concerns and urged the authority concern to ‘choose another option’ and appealed to shift the road ‘outside Imphal area.’

Replying to the public feedback, Dr T Brajakumar, joint director of Environment and Climate Change sought the cooperation and support from the affected landowners in finalising the SIA report.

Dr Brajakumar also appealed to the gathering to submit their opinions and consent through a prescribed form to the concerned department.

Sharing a similar sentiment, survey expert O Biren Singh, former director of the state economics and statistics department also appealed to landowners to submit their wishes and consent so that it can be incorporated in making SIA report. The public hearing will continue till May 26.

It may be mentioned that a three-day public hearing seeking feedback of the affected persons for acquisition of land for construction of the Imphal ring road was held in Imphal East district from April 19 till the 21st this year.

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 SIA on acquisition of land for construction of Imphal Ring road, the 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.