On Thursday, Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah conducted an extensive inspection of several critical development projects across the Ukhrul sub-division. The tour aimed to assess the progress of essential infrastructure, including rigid pavement roadworks, a flagship water supply scheme, the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), and new facilities at Pettigrew College.
Rigid pavement works
During his inspection of the rigid pavement works, MLA Muivah highlighted significant delays caused by the ongoing socio-political situation in the region. He noted that the project, which covers 31 sectors at a total cost of Rs 24 crore, is still in its initial stages despite being sanctioned over a year ago.
The MLA attributed the slow progress to frequent highway blockades and counter-blockades along the Imphal-Ukhrul route, which have stifled the movement of essential construction materials like cement and sand. Due to these disruptions, the Public Works Department (PWD) has extended the project deadline from June to December of this year.
Speaking to the media, Muivah appealed to civil society leaders to seek alternatives to blockades. “Such restrictions are hampering the very development the community needs by preventing the arrival of materials like pipes and construction supplies,” he said. He further advised contractors and PWD officials to ensure “drain-to-drain” execution of the pavement works to ensure long-term durability.
Flagship water supply scheme
The inspection moved to the New Development Bank (NDB)-funded water supply scheme, a project Muivah described as “long-awaited” for the people of Ukhrul. While the state received Rs 3,000 crore under this scheme, Rs 58 crore has been specifically allocated to Ukhrul district, including Rs 23 crore for the district headquarters and Rs 25 crore for around 20-30 surrounding villages.
The headquarters project, awarded to a Hyderabad-based firm in 2021, had been stalled for nearly three years due to litigation and the termination of prior work orders. Following the recent withdrawal of a High Court stay order, work has finally resumed. The system is designed to draw water from Yangwui Kong near Langdang and supply the headquarters via gravity after pumping. While 44 reservoir tanks are nearing completion, Muivah noted that the supply of pipes remains vulnerable to highway disruptions.
EMRS project
At Hunphun Phungdhar, the MLA reviewed the construction of the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS). The Rs 37-crore project is the only sanctioned EMRS for the Ukhrul block. With a completion target of December, the MLA expressed hope that the school would be operational for the next academic session in January or February 2025.
Muivah expressed concern regarding the disparity in educational infrastructure, noting that while Ukhrul has a population of 86,000, it currently possesses only one such school. He explained that increasing the number of blocks—and consequently the number of schools—is currently restricted by a census embargo ending in March 2027.
“The goal is to strengthen educational opportunities for our indigenous children so they can compete at a national level,” Muivah stated, emphasizing that these institutions provide essential free boarding, food, and merit-based tuition.
Pettigrew College facilities
The inspection tour concluded at Pettigrew College, where the MLA reviewed the ongoing construction of a new academic block and a library facility of the district’s lone government-run college. These upgrades are part of a broader effort to modernize the educational landscape of the district and provide students with better resources for higher learning.
MLA Muivah was accompanied by officials of PWD and PHED and contractors and others.