Imphal: Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah on Wednesday launched five advanced life-support ambulances and 500 solar street lights for people in Ukhrul district, with a special focus on residents of remote villages, to strengthen emergency healthcare services and support sustainable community infrastructure.
The inauguration programme was held at the Community Hall of AAI Imphal in the presence of Imphal Airport Director Chipemmi Keishing, Honpam Keishing, Joint General Manager (Electrical), airport officials, CISF personnel and others.
Initiated by Ukhrul MLA Muivah, the project was donated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. The project is being implemented by Ukhrul Football Club (UFC) in association with North East Power Infra.
Addressing the event, MLA Muivah expressed his gratitude to AAI for successfully implementing the project, calling it a “small red-letter day” for the people of Ukhrul in particular and Manipur in general.
Muivah lamented that even in the 21st century, many villages in his Ukhrul Assembly constituency lack electricity. In 2022, when he apprised the then power minister of the situation, he was informed that a 33 KV substation would be installed at Sahamphung. However, the project has not materialised to date, and residents in remote areas continue to live without electricity.
The Naga legislator recounted how, during his visits to remote areas, people, particularly senior citizens, told him they felt “blind” after sunset because of the lack of electricity.
Muivah said the 500 solar street lights will be distributed equally among all 52 villages under his constituency, with special focus on remote areas. Of the five advanced life-support ambulances, one will be provided to Talui Primary Health Centre and another to Kamjong District Hospital. The remaining three ambulances will be deployed at Ukhrul District Hospital, he said.
“That is why I approached the Airports Authority of India and arranged these solar street lights for the remote villages,” he said, while appreciating the AAI and its officials who played a role in materialising the initiative.
According to Imphal Airport Director Chipemmi Keishing, the sanctioned cost of the ambulance and solar street-light project is Rs 2.20 crore.
“In situations where every minute can matter, the availability of properly equipped ambulances can significantly strengthen the ability to provide timely medical assistance and transport patients to appropriate healthcare facilities,” Keishing said.
He also highlighted that the solar-powered lighting would provide an environmentally sustainable solution while improving illumination in public areas. It can improve visibility, enhance convenience and contribute to safer movement, particularly during the evening and night hours.