Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah on September 30 launched five advanced life-support ambulances and 500 solar street lights aimed at improving emergency healthcare and basic infrastructure in remote areas of Manipur’s Ukhrul district.
The initiative was launched at the Community Hall of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in Imphal. The project was initiated by Muivah with support from the AAI under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme and is being implemented by the Ukhrul Football Club in association with North East Power Infra.
Ambulances to Strengthen Emergency Healthcare
The five advanced life-support ambulances will be distributed among healthcare facilities in the region.
Talui Primary Health Centre and Kamjong District Hospital will each receive one ambulance, while the remaining three will be deployed at Ukhrul District Hospital. The distribution is intended to improve emergency patient transport and provide better access to medical facilities, particularly for people living in remote areas.
The total approved cost of the ambulance and solar-light initiative is reported to be Rs 2.20 crore.
500 Solar Lights for 52 Villages
The second component of the initiative focuses on improving lighting in villages across the Ukhrul Assembly constituency.
According to Muivah, the 500 solar street lights will be distributed equally among all 52 villages in his constituency, with particular attention to remote locations.
The initiative is expected to improve lighting in public areas and make movement easier after sunset. It also provides an alternative in areas where access to regular electricity remains limited.
MLA Highlights Electricity Challenges
Speaking at the launch, Muivah highlighted the electricity challenges faced by several villages in his constituency. He said that despite being in the 21st century, many communities continue to lack adequate lighting.
The MLA recalled raising the issue of electricity infrastructure in 2022. He said he had been informed that a 33-KV substation would be installed at Sahamphung, but the project had not yet materialised.
Muivah also spoke about his visits to remote villages, where he observed elderly residents facing difficulties moving around after sunset because of inadequate lighting.
AAI Supports Project Through CSR
The initiative received support from the Airports Authority of India under its CSR programme. Muivah said he had approached AAI seeking assistance for the solar-lighting project in remote villages.
He thanked the airport authorities and officials involved in supporting and implementing the initiative.
The launch was attended by Imphal Airport Director Chipemmi Keishing, Joint General Manager (Electrical) Honpam Keishing, airport officials, CISF personnel and other representatives.
Focus on Remote Communities
The projects are particularly significant for villages where access to healthcare and electricity can be challenging because of difficult terrain and limited infrastructure.
Improved ambulance services can reduce the time required to transport patients from remote areas to hospitals, particularly during medical emergencies. Meanwhile, solar-powered street lighting can provide basic illumination without requiring immediate expansion of conventional electricity infrastructure.
The distribution of facilities across multiple villages and healthcare centres is intended to extend the benefits beyond Ukhrul town.
Development Push in Ukhrul
The launch represents an effort to address two basic infrastructure needs in Ukhrul: emergency healthcare and access to lighting in rural communities.
The combination of medical transport facilities and solar street lighting also reflects the importance of locally targeted infrastructure in remote areas of Manipur.
As the new ambulances are deployed and the solar lights are installed across the 52 villages, their effectiveness will depend on proper maintenance, availability of trained personnel and continued support for the communities using these facilities.
The initiative is expected to provide practical assistance to residents while contributing to improved public infrastructure across Ukhrul.