Chandel: A good road condition illustrates and measures the development of society. However, people in Manipur’s Chandel district have suffered a lot due to the deplorable condition of the Pallel-Chandel road, the sole lifeline highway connecting to the rest of the state.
As the authorities concerned failed to act despite being informed and complaints about upgrades, locals in the district recently came up with a unique way to highlight the eroded road condition and created awareness on road safety.
Wisecrabs, a non-profit local club, organised a district-level photography contest on the theme “Better Chandel Road” to put the spotlight on the pathetic condition of the National Highway (NH)-102 Pallel-Chandel roads.
The contest is to highlight the mood, feeling and collective aspirations of Chandel people in demanding quality and durable road repairing, said Nick Turrim, a member of Wisecrabs.
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At least 30 people from the district had participated in the contest, while each picture in the competition depicts the angst and struggles of people going through every day owing to the intolerably bad road condition.
The winner’s picture amplified and summed up how locals, especially during monsoon season, face inconveniences due to rutted and potholed surface over the years. Also, motorists driving on the wrong side of the road to avoid the hazards become a safety issue for pedestrians. The condition of the road this year during monsoon season remains unchanged like the previous years.
Occasional repair works are done on the road, which is, unfortunately, mere hogwash to the public. The worsening condition of the road has brought untold misery to the people and harmed quite a lot of vehicles plying along Pallel-Chandel road, said Turrim.
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There have been reports of minor and major road accidents, including fatal injuries, he added.
However, with the recent announcement of the chief minister N Biren Singh on the proposed repair work by NHIDCL, locals are filled with optimism and hopeful for a change without further delay.
Winner lists and prizes:
Judged by two of Chandel’s well-known professional photographers, Rashingam NG and John Monsang, Len Serbum from Kapaam village has adjudged the winner and awarded a cash prize of Rs 5,000. The second and third positions were given to Shuhlungri Tongsin and Behring Sankhil with Rs 3,000 and Rs 1,500 as cash amounts, respectively.
Consolation prizes of Rs 500 each were given to Thahrin Langhu and PS Jonah Anal.
