Manipur governor reviews depleting fuel stock amid landslides

IMPHAL — Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla reviewed the depleting stock of petroleum fuels and LPG in the state, which has been severely impacted by frequent landslides on NH-2 and NH-37, the state's two lifelines, according to officials.

The review meeting with all the stakeholders was held on Friday.

To replenish the stock and ensure adequate availability of fuel for the state domestic and commercial requirements, the meeting decided that the State Consumers Affairs Food & Public Distribution (CAF&PD) department, in coordination with State Police and Indian Oil Corporation Limited, would arrange a special convoy exclusively for bringing petroleum fuel (petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel) and LPG, stated a press release issued by Secretary (CAF&PD) N Kheda Varta Singh on Saturday.

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The convoy, which left Jiribam, 220 km west of Imphal in the early hours of Saturday, consists of 158 tanker trucks carrying petrol and diesel, five trucks carrying ATF, and 29 trucks transporting LPG. The vehicles are expected to reach Imphal within two to three days, the release stated.

The state government has assured that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure adequate fuel availability for both domestic and commercial requirements.

In the first week of August, the Churachandpur district administration, in close coordination with the state government and the Indian Air Force, had successfully conducted the airdropping of essential commodities to landslide affected remote villages under Henglep subdivision in the hilly region of Churachandpur.

In another development, Governor Bhalla, accompanied by his wife Jyoti Bhalla, visited the historic Andro town in Manipur’s Imphal East District on Saturday.

The visit aimed to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the region and understand the concerns of the local community. Bhalla also witnessed the traditional rice wine making process, an age-old practice that remains an integral part of Andro’s cultural heritage.

At the Common Facilitation Centre for Pottery and Terracotta Crafts, the governor and his wife witnessed a wide array of indigenous pottery products, highlighting Andro’s rich craftsmanship.

The governor also visited the Santhei Natural Park, and witnessed the natural beauty of the region.

Concluding the visit, at Saraswati Bal Vidya Mandir, Andro, Bhalla and his wife interacted with students and the teachers, and donated a computer system, desks and benches along with an interactive flat-panel smart classroom display for the school.