KCP said Contractors and engineers involved in the project allegedly installed only 325 piles, falling short by 125 units. The alleged dereliction of duty, the party warns, could lead to a catastrophic collapse even in the absence of seismic activity
TFM Desk
The ongoing construction of the boys’ hostel at the Central Agricultural University in Lamphelpat has come under scrutiny after allegations of serious contractual violations surfaced. The proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) has raised concerns about the alleged deliberate underinstallation of foundational piles, posing a significant risk to future occupants. Given the gravity of the situation, the party has imposed an indefinite ban on construction at the site and warned contractors and workers to avoid the area until further notice, said a press statement issued by M Punsiba Meitei, secretary, information & publicity Politburo Standing Committee of KCP.
According to the KCP, the construction contract required 450 piles to be installed to support the structure in the highly sensitive Lamphelpat area, which falls under seismic zone V—indicating the highest risk of earthquakes. However, contractors and engineers involved in the project allegedly installed only 325 piles, falling short by 125 units. The alleged dereliction of duty, the party warns, could lead to a catastrophic collapse even in the absence of seismic activity.
The contract was officially awarded to Rajesh Longjam, but the KCP alleged that an unregistered contractor, Sanasam Somanda, has been carrying out the construction. Further complicating the issue, key engineering officials overseeing the project—Heisnam Bidyananda Singh from the National Projects Construction Corporation Ltd. and engineers Bobby Kanglam and Dhanabir Mongbijam from Manipur Tribal Development Corporation Ltd.—have been accused of accepting bribes in exchange for allowing the underinstallation of piles.
The KCP asserts that these violations can be confirmed through specialized testing methods such as Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Ultrasonic Testing.
The party has also called upon civil society organizations (CSOs) to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the responsible construction firms, holding them accountable for the alleged misconduct. If left unchallenged, the KCP warns, the compromised foundation could endanger the lives of students and staff who would eventually occupy the building.
Authorities are yet to respond to these allegations, but the issue underscores the need for strict compliance with safety regulations, particularly in areas prone to seismic activity.