The peak of Manipur’s conflict, which erupted on May 3, 2023, has not only brought woes to the people but has also given an ill-fated destiny to over 400 heavy machines and equipment used in the construction of roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
The heavy machinery and equipment lost during the conflict were being used by contractors for road construction, and the cumulative cost of these machines is estimated to be around ₹70–80 crore.
The PMGSY in Manipur, launched in December 2000, aims to provide all-weather rural road connectivity to unconnected habitations of 250 persons (based on the 2011 Census) as part of a nationwide poverty reduction strategy. Since its implementation, nearly 95 per cent habitation connectivity was achieved during Phase I (2000–2001).
However, Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts have 55 pending works—the highest among all districts—followed by Tamenglong and Noney districts with 44 pending works. Reports state that 89 per cent of works pertaining to PMGSY Phases I and II are pending in the hill districts of the state, while 11 per cent of the remaining works are meant for the valley districts.
