An ambitious ₹59 crore heritage infrastructure project aimed at boosting tourism and socio-economic development in Ukhrul district is facing repeated legal and administrative challenges, project stakeholders said on Friday, urging all parties to allow the work to continue without further obstruction.
Project scope
The Shirui heritage project, sanctioned under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) for the 2025–26 fiscal year, targets development in three locations: Shirui village, Jorcheng (Lunghar village) and the Bakshi Ground in Hungpung village. The Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (DRDA) awarded the contract to M/S Bhartia Infra Projects Limited (BIPL) after a competitive e‑tendering process on 3 February 2026.
Concerns over repeated litigation
Speaking at a press conference at the Ukhrul Press Club, BIPL contractor Sunny Shimrah said the project has been “mired in needless litigation and administrative hurdles” since the award. Shimrah said that three separate Right to Information (RTI) applications relating to the project had been filed and that authorities had provided full responses to two queries so far.“
Despite being in the implementation phase, the project faces repeated objections that are groundless and effectively amount to sabotage,” Shimrah said, adding that the work began on site in March. He disclosed that two court cases had been instituted but that the High Court had not granted any stay on the contract.
“Work has proceeded as ordered, but these continual challenges are delaying progress and increasing risk of incurring loss and higher costs,” he added.
Validity of objections questioned
Shimrah questioned the timing and validity of appeals alleging technical errors in the bill of quantities (BOQ). He argued that any concerns about the BOQ should have been raised before the close of the e‑tendering period.
“Raising such issues after the tender process is invalid and undermines the integrity of competitive bidding,” he said, urging stakeholders to use statutory remedies within the prescribed windows rather than resorting to litigation when contracts are already underway.
Call for cooperation
Lunghar village headman LW Mataisang, whose community stands to benefit from the work in Jorcheng, appealed for an end to the legal actions that he said were stalling development. “This project has been under implementation since March. Continued court cases and RTI campaigns are placing an undue burden on executing agencies and depriving our people of a chance for growth,” Mataisang said.
He described the heritage initiative as a “rare opportunity” for local employment and improved amenities, and urged concerned parties to refrain from disruption so the district may realize the anticipated tourism and socio‑economic benefits.
Dispute over representation
Stakeholders at the press conference alleged that representations seeking cancellation of the tender were sent to government authorities by one Vaorei Awungshi, who claimed to hold power of attorney for M/s Nongmaithem Enterprises and was reportedly backed by a local political figure.
However, on May 20, 2026, M/s Nongmaithem Enterprises issued a statement asserting that no individual was authorised to represent them and asked DRDA Ukhrul to initiate legal action against the person named in the objection.
Project components
Components of the project at Shirui Hill include: Development of Festival Ground at Shirui Heritage Village, Heritage Village Entrance Gate, Visitor Information Centre, Festival Ground—Open Gallery Development & VIP Lounge, Festival Ground—Performance Stage with Green Rooms, Vendor Haat (6 Nos.), Public Conveniences with Drinking Water, Extension of Existing Guest House (i) Boundary Wall, (ii) CCTV System, Eco Retreat at the Shirui Heritage Village—Single Cottages (14 Nos.), Twin Cottages (4 Nos.), Main Block with Café & Theme Restaurant, Gazebos (2 Nos.), Staff Facilities, Services Block, Bird Watch Tower, and Trekking Route Development (i) Trekking Route Development, (ii) Intermediate Resting Shed (5 Nos.), Parking, Boundary Wall, Approach Road, and Landscaping including Internal Pathways, Entry Gate, Compound Illumination, Site Development & Retaining Wall, RO Plant & Waste Management, Signages, (i) Sub-Station Equipment & D.G. Set, (ii) Furniture & Furnishing, and (iii) CCTV System.
Additionally, the project includes: Festival Ground—Performance Ground Improvement at Bakshi Festival Ground and Boundary Wall at Bakshi Ground at Hungpung village, along with infrastructures at Phangrei and Jorcheng such as amenities block at base of Phangrei Hill, Polycarbonate Dome Glamping Tents (10 Nos.), Tourist Amenities and Cafeteria, Hiking Track to Phangrei Lake, Panoramic View Watch Tower, Boundary Wall, RO Plant & Waste Management, Compound Illumination, Signages, Sub-Station Equipment & D.G. Set and CCTV System.
