Students and faculty repair damaged sections of the approach road and urge the authorities to undertake permanent repairs.
UKHRUL, October 9, 2026: Students and faculty members of the Department of Social Work, St Joseph College, Ukhrul, Manipur, took the initiative to repair damaged sections of the approach road connecting Wino Bazar to the college on October 7, addressing a problem that has long troubled students, staff and residents who use the route daily.
Armed with spades, long knives, sacks and other basic resources, the students worked together to fill damaged sections, level uneven stretches, clear roadside vegetation and dig drainage channels to facilitate the flow of rainwater. The initiative was led by the department under the guidance of its Head, Dr Sword Ronra Shimray, with the participation of faculty members Lt. Chonchui Magdalene CS and Dr Thanmung Khariwo, alongside students from the first, third and fifth semesters of the Bachelor of Social Work programme.
The road has remained a source of difficulty, particularly during the rainy season, when damaged stretches and poor drainage make daily travel challenging. Students have previously raised concerns about its condition through Tangkhul Express, drawing attention to the difficulties faced by those who walk or travel by vehicle to the college. However, the condition of road continues to deteriorate.
For the students, the repair work was an opportunity to respond directly to a problem affecting their campus and the surrounding community. The work also reflected the department’s emphasis on community engagement, collective responsibility and practical responses to local concerns.
Lt. Chonchui Magdalene CS cited the lack of regular maintenance, inaction by the government authorities and the absence of community initiative as key reasons behind the department’s decision to act.
“We are walking that road everyday. And nobody takes the initiative. And the condition became worse due to the rain. Nobody maintains, even the locality itself. Everyone expects the government to interfere. Nobody feels the need of ownership either so our department takes up that initiative and does something for the society.”
Students from different semesters of Bachelor of Social Work course joined hands to repair the damaged stretches, improving the road’s immediate condition and easing the difficulties faced by students and other road users. Their collective effort also highlighted the urgent need for a permanent solution to the road’s deteriorating condition.
Wind of Change
Students from different semesters of the Department of Social Work also shared their experiences and views on the road’s condition. Leishichon Lungleng highlighted the difficulties faced by students travelling on foot and by vehicle, noting that the repair work had helped ease some of these challenges.
“The road condition had been a major difficulty for students travelling by foot and vehicle. Repairing it helped reduce the challenges faced by everyone,” she said.
Kanmi Rashon Mahung drew attention to the community’s continuing expectations for better infrastructure.
“We thought development would bring better roads, but this road still remains a major challenge for the community,” he said.
Mashung Wungleng emphasised the importance of road infrastructure in people’s everyday lives.
“Good roads are not just about development; they are about safety, accessibility, and better lives for the people,” he said.
Jihim Kharei expressed hope that the authorities would take notice of the deteriorating road and address the concerns of students, college staff and the wider community.
“The deteriorating road near our college campus is affecting daily travel and creating inconveniences for the students, staffs and even for the community. I genuinely wish and hope the concerned authorities will take notice and address this issue at the earliest,” she said.
Students from other departments of St. Joseph college, Ukhrul also appreciated the initiative. H.A. Soyowon, a fifth semester BA English student; Mishangpam Ronra Shimray and Moses Kashung, third semester BA Political Science students; and Ngashanngam Kasar, a first semester BA Political Science student, were among those who drew attention to the significance of the effort and the need for the authorities to address the road’s condition.
In a letter dated October 8, 2026, the Tribal Students Union, Imphal College, whose Vice President is Anthony Gangmei, congratulated the students and faculty members of the Department of Social Work, St Joseph College, Ukhrul, for taking the initiative to repair damaged sections of the approach road. The Union appreciated their commitment to community service and collective responsibility and appealed to the Government of Manipur and the concerned authorities to undertake permanent repairs and ensure regular maintenance of the road.
A Call for Permanent Repairs
While the students’ work has improved the condition of the affected stretches, the repairs remain temporary. Durable restoration will require appropriate road materials, proper levelling and compaction, effective drainage and regular maintenance. The initiative has therefore renewed the call for the concerned authorities to assess the road and undertake repairs that can withstand the region’s heavy rainfall and daily traffic.
The students and faculty members hope that the effort will draw greater attention to the condition of the approach road and encourage a timely response from the authorities. They have also sought to promote a sense of responsibility towards shared public spaces through practical community service.
The department has undertaken other campus initiatives, including cleaning the college premises and installing dustbins at locations where waste bins were lacking. These activities form part of its broader engagement with community welfare and the immediate needs of the college environment.
Reflecting on the value of student participation in addressing public concerns, Dr Sword Ronra Shimray expressed hope that the initiative would encourage young people to take responsibility for issues affecting their communities. The work demonstrated how students could contribute through collective effort and practical action.
Students Who Took Part
Fifth Semester BSW: Yurnganing Vashi, Rinthan Luithui, Thotreishang PW, Kanmi Rashon Mahung, Peter Chahongnao, Chihansing Mahak, Thotmaya Ningshen, Viwon Ramror, Ikmipei Tungshang, Ctwon Phinao and Jihim Kharei.
Third Semester BSW: Mansak Ngalung, Ngachanphi Kashung, Semmichon Zimik, Leishichon Lungleng, Wormi Awungshi, HAS Thotmachin and Chipemhor Awung Samshok.
First Semester BSW: Catherine Rephung, Shonsopem Marei, Shimreichon KS, Worngayung Luithui, Lanyawon Mahon, Wonringthan Kamkara, Sopemwon Awung Chihui, Ngalanim Phatangva, Timmila Awung Chihui and Mashung Wungleng.
The initiative has demonstrated what students can accomplish when they take collective responsibility for the problems affecting their community. Their efforts also leave an important question for the government authorities: if students and faculty members can mobilise their time, energy and limited resources to repair a damaged approach road, when will the Government of Manipur and the concerned authorities step forward to ensure that the road receives the permanent repairs and regular maintenance it has long needed?
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