Villagers Including IDPs Repair Khuga Dam Approach Road Following Prolonged Negligence by Government & Concerned MLAs

Villagers residing near Khuga Dam in Churachandpur district of Manipur have voluntarily repaired the road connecting their villages through financial contributions from the public.

The villagers have formed a committee called the Khuga Dam Approach Road Maintenance Committee to oversee the repair work.

On Saturday, under the initiative of the committee, villagers from three villages, along with Internally Displaced Persons staying nearby, participated in repairing the road.

One villager, Mercy, said that the public has taken the initiative to repair the dilapidated Khuga Dam approach road because many commuters have faced difficulties.

Many students commute via this road and face difficulties, especially during the rainy season. During the rainy season, the road becomes muddy, while in summer it is very dusty, causing hardships for students, commuters, villagers, and farmers. She also asked the public to show support and contribute donations in any way possible.

Highlighting the work undertaken by the villagers, Mercy said that the road has been leveled and river stones were placed today. She further informed that the machinery and materials used for the repair work have been obtained on credit and payment is still pending. She once again appealed to the public to come forward with donations.

Stating that the repair is temporary, she also urged officials and concerned authorities to assist the villagers in the future so that the public, especially students, can access the road easily.

She added that there are newly settled Internally Displaced Persons in and around the area. Claiming that the road has been left unattended for nearly 30 years, Mercy said that this social work marks the third phase undertaken by the villagers.

In the first phase, the villagers repaired a bridge connecting Sehken village (one of the villages near Khuga Dam), while the second phase was completed last year. The current work constitutes the third phase. Mercy further stated that they plan to maintain the road until assistance is provided.

She also said that they have received a positive response from the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur district and expressed hope for assistance in the future.

Informing that several appeals have been made to the concerned MLAs, though no action has been taken, the villager also appealed to them to address the grievances of the people.