Manipur's Infrastructure Investment: A Focus on Hill and Valley Projects

The Manipur Public Works Department disclosed the allocation of Rs 2,395.51 crore for road and bridge projects in the hill regions from 2020-25. A total of Rs 1,300.21 crore was earmarked for valley areas. Controversy arose over claims of uneven allocation favoring valley over hill areas.

The Manipur Public Works Department has announced that a substantial Rs 2,395.51 crore has been allocated for a range of road and bridge projects in the state's hill regions from the fiscal years 2020-21 through 2024-25. This funding was distributed across various schemes to enhance infrastructure development in the highland areas.

The allocations began with Rs 537.61 crore for 12 projects in 2020-21, followed by Rs 244.72 crore for 27 projects in 2021-22. The trend of increased investment continued as 130 projects received Rs 708.27 crore in 2022-23. Most recently, for the fiscal year 2023-24, 153 additional projects were sanctioned with Rs 673.88 crore, alongside Rs 231.07 crore dedicated to 31 projects slated for 2024-25.

While the department also earmarked Rs 1,300.21 crore for the valley regions during the same period, tensions rose as legislator Paolienlal Haokip criticized the allocation process. He highlighted the recent sanctioning of Rs 400 crore for 57 valley projects, arguing that hill areas are being overlooked. His claims bring attention to potential regional disparities, advocating for greater attention to the hill areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)