Manipur beauty queen takes up pothole repairs on Sugnu–Lamda road

Concerned over the worsening condition of the Sugnu–Lamda road in Manipur’s Kakching district, Miss Universe India 2025 fourth runner-up Sarangthem Nirupama has stepped in to repair potholes along the badly damaged stretch.

The section between Wabagai Lamkhai and Sugnu has been riddled with potholes, making travel difficult for motorists, pedestrians, patients and daily commuters.

Nirupama took up the repair work on Saturday after learning about the difficulties faced by people using the road. She inspected the stretch and arranged a Tata tipper and JCB to transport construction material and fill and level several damaged portions.

The initiative came after the death of a woman following childbirth. The woman had reportedly travelled through the road while being taken for medical treatment. Residents alleged that the poor condition of the road added to the difficulties during her journey, although there is no independent confirmation that the road condition contributed to her death.

Nirupama, a resident of Sarangthem in Kakching Khunou Lamaba Leikai, returned from Delhi on Friday and later visited the deceased woman's family. She learnt that the woman had four children, including a four-year-old.

Local residents and members of the Khorsanthabi Apunba Meira Paibi also joined the repair work, particularly at some of the worst-affected sections.

Nirupama said the repairs were only a temporary measure and urged the authorities to address the condition of the road permanently.

“The condition of the road is very bad. Office-goers, daily wage workers and patients depend on this road. The concerned authorities should take permanent measures to improve it,” she said.

Khorsanthabi Apunba Meira Paibi president Th. Kunjeshwori said the road had remained in poor condition for a long time, causing difficulties for commuters. She welcomed Nirupama’s intervention but called on the authorities to undertake a permanent repair of the road.