Kangpokpi DC orders eviction of encroachments along NH-02 and NH-37 in Manipur to improve safety, traffic flow, and public infrastructure.
Kangpokpi DC Orders Eviction of Encroachments on NH-02 & NH-37 in Manipur
In a decisive step towards improving road safety and public convenience, Kangpokpi DC orders eviction of illegal encroachments along two of Manipur’s busiest highways—NH-02 and NH-37.
The district administration’s directive, issued earlier this week, marks the beginning of a much-needed drive to reclaim public road space from unregulated structures, roadside vendors, and unauthorized extensions that have been causing congestion and accidents.
Why the Kangpokpi DC Orders Eviction Now
The move comes after repeated complaints from commuters, transport associations, and local civic groups. Over time, NH-02 and NH-37—critical lifelines connecting Manipur to Nagaland, Assam, and other northeastern states—have witnessed a mushrooming of unplanned constructions right up to the road edge.
According to officials, this not only narrows carriageways but also creates blind spots, heightening accident risks. “The primary duty of the administration is to ensure safety and smooth movement of traffic. Encroachments are a direct threat to both,” the DC said while announcing the action plan.
NH-02 & NH-37: Kangpokpi DC Manipur’s Arteries Under Pressure
- NH-02 connects Imphal to Kohima and beyond, carrying both passenger and heavy cargo traffic daily.
- NH-37 links Imphal with Jiribam and serves as a major goods transport corridor from Assam.
In recent years, both routes have become bottlenecks due to encroachment, leading to hour-long delays in stretches that should take just minutes to cross.
Encroachment Hotspots Identified
The Kangpokpi district survey identified several clusters where roadside extensions and makeshift shops have eaten into the highway margins.
Key problem areas include:
- Kangpokpi Bazar stretch on NH-02 – Numerous shops jutting out into the main road.
- Keithelmanbi to Saparmeina section – Tea stalls, temporary sheds, and goods storage on road shoulders.
- Leimakhong on NH-37 – Heavy vehicle parking spilling into traffic lanes.
Public Safety Takes Centre Stage
The Kangpokpi DC orders eviction not only to decongest traffic but also to prevent the recurring accidents caused by restricted visibility. Officials revealed that several fatal mishaps in the past year involved sudden swerving to avoid roadside obstacles.
By clearing encroachments, authorities expect:
- Improved driver visibility.
- Reduced collision points.
- Faster emergency vehicle movement.
The Legal Framework for Kangpokpi DC Eviction
The action is being carried out under provisions of:
- The National Highways Act, 1956 – prohibits unauthorized occupation of highway land.
- Section 133 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 – allows removal of obstructions to ensure public safety.
Legal notices have been served to all identified encroachers, giving them a specific timeframe to vacate voluntarily before forcible removal begins.
Community Reaction
The announcement that Kangpokpi DC orders eviction has drawn mixed reactions:
Supportive Voices:
- Truck drivers and passenger transport operators have welcomed the decision, saying the move will save time and fuel.
- Local youth groups see it as a step towards making roads safer for pedestrians.
Concerns Raised:
- Some small traders fear losing their livelihood if alternative vending zones are not provided.
- Residents worry about potential conflicts during eviction drives.
Administration’s Assurance
The DC has promised that the process will be carried out humanely. “We are not here to uproot livelihoods without offering solutions,” the DC said. Discussions are already underway to set up designated vending areas away from the highway’s main lanes.
Impact on Traffic and Economy
Experts predict that clearing encroachments could:
- Increase average traffic speed by 20–30% on NH-02 and NH-37.
- Reduce transport costs for goods moving between Imphal, Guwahati, and Kohima.
- Encourage tourism by making highway travel faster and safer.
Eviction Timeline
The eviction drive is planned in three phases:
- Notice Period (2 Weeks) – Voluntary removal encouraged.
- Mechanical Clearing (Weeks 3–4) – Bulldozers and cranes deployed where needed.
- Permanent Safeguards (Post-Clearing) – Installation of road boundary markers to prevent re-encroachment.
Past Attempts and Challenges
This is not the first time encroachments have been targeted in Kangpokpi. Previous drives fizzled out due to lack of follow-up, allowing illegal structures to reappear within months.
This time, the DC has assured continuous monitoring, aided by drone surveillance and GPS mapping of cleared areas.
The Bigger Picture: Manipur’s Infrastructure Push
The eviction order ties into a larger state plan to upgrade Manipur’s road network under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. With increased central funding for highway expansion, freeing up encroached land is seen as a vital first step.
Voices from the Ground
“I spend nearly two hours extra on my daily route because of these choke points. Clearing them will be a blessing,” said Ramesh Singh, a truck driver on NH-37.
However, Lhingneilam, who runs a small fruit stall near Kangpokpi bazar, voiced her worry: “I understand the need for clear roads, but we need a place to work too.”
Balancing Development and Livelihood
Experts say eviction drives must strike a balance between public safety and economic survival of roadside vendors. The administration’s move to identify alternative vending sites is being seen as a positive sign that lessons from past evictions are being applied.
Looking Ahead
If successful, the Kangpokpi model could be replicated in other districts where NH-02 and NH-37 pass through. This would create a safer, faster, and more efficient highway system across Manipur.
For now, the message is clear: Kangpokpi DC orders eviction, and the days of unchecked roadside encroachments on these key highways are numbered.
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