National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency

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Research Areas

Chapter III - Impact Assessment of PMGSY

A programme like PMGSY is aimed at bringing many socio-economic benefits to the rural areas which are pivotal for an overall development of these areas and it can be a powerful instrument for the socio-economic transformation of the villages. Understanding of these benefits and their evaluation plays a crucial role for planning such schemes for the future. The impact of developing rural roads infrastructure accrue in various ways resulting in numerous economic and social benefits and all such major indicators which capture the impact on lives of rural people are being evaluated in the Study. An attempt was made to study the impact of the selected roads on the rural people through collecting information using structured questionnaires, focused group discussions and interviews of various key stakeholders.

Impact on Agricultural Production

Almost 60% of the population of Mizoram is engaged in variety of agricultural pursuits. The main pattern of agriculture is Jhum or shifting cultivation. The land is primarily hill slopes and contour bunding and hedging is adopted in case permanent cultivation has to be taken up.

A well knit rural road network can have a lot of benefits on the economy of the area and its impact on the agricultural economy can be very effective in terms of providing easy and faster access during all seasons to the markets, availability of quality inputs and increase in diversity to more cash crops. The farmers in the village can produce more agricultural product by way of generated incentives for marketing their produce at low transportation cost and importing the fertilizer, manures and seeds at cheaper rate due to the reduced cost of transportation to the village. Thus the productivity of agriculture which is a dominant sector of our economy can be increased. All weather road connection also reduces the time of transporting the perishable products like milk, vegetables, poultry products, etc. and ensures a remunerative price for such commodities throughout the year to the producer and a regular supply to the consumers.

The villages covered under the study have also been mainly based on agriculture and in almost all of them the most visible positive impact of the connectivity was found on the agricultural activity only. This impact assessment is focused on the key indicators which primarily indicate the effects on agriculture. The conclusions drawn are based on the primary and secondary data collected. The data collected through the questionnaires and the respondents suggests that there has been a very significant growth in the agricultural production due to an easier access to the markets and subsequent change in the cropping patterns by the farmers of the area. The Impact of construction of roads on the agriculture sector at the village level in percentage terms is given at Annexure 1.1

Increase in Usage of Fertilizers and Improved Seeds

The provision of rural roads improves the access to the markets for better quality inputs and information about them. The sourcing and transportation of these inputs also becomes easier after the connectivity is improved.

Aizawl District

The provisions of rural roads in the study areas of the district have reported a very significant impact on the agricultural sector. The access to markets has been available to the villagers and awareness about desired benefits by use of such quality inputs has improved.

33% of the respondents reported increased use of such inputs in their land. In Tachhip village farmers reported an increase of 40%.

Champhai District

The study areas of the district had comparatively less impact in terms of increase in the use of fertilizers and pesticides, which primarily was due to the lack of availability of supply markets. In the selected villages of Champhai district the beneficiary respondents have reported marginal shift in the use of chemical fertilizers, improved seeds and pesticides etc. However in a longer period the desired impact may come with the awareness amongst the farming community regarding the use of such inputs is improved. 16% of the respondents reported an increase in the usage of such inputs.

Change in Cropping Patterns

The rural roads provide for better flow of inputs and outputs from the farms and it gives an opportunity to the farmers to adopt a more beneficial cropping pattern. The traditional cropping techniques and profiles are shifted to better options.

Aizawl District

A majority of the farmers in the benefited villages of Aizawl district have switched over to cash crops from Paddy cultivation to other cash crops like Ginger, Sugar Cane, Potatoes, Cabbage and other green vegetables.

There has always been a huge demand in the market but due to lack of proper connectivity the farmers could not adopt these kinds of crops. It was observed in Rulchawn and Mualpheng villages that vegetable cultivation is now the biggest farming activity and many farmers also reported increase in their cultivated land after the construction of road. The highest change (70%) in cropping pattern was reported in villages connected through Road No 1 in the district.

Champhai District

The farmers of the connected villages of Champhai district have also shifted to vegetable cultivation in a big way and a vast majority of respondents reported to have improved the cropping intensity also. Plantation of coffee is also taken up in Tualte village and horticulture produces like orange and passion fruit have also being grown. 60% beneficiary respondents reported shifting to cash crops from the traditional paddy cultivation. 70% of Hmunhmetha village farmers have reported to have adopted ginger cultivation.

Increase in use of Motorized Agriculture Vehicles and Equipments

Construction of a road providing connectivity can bring a lot of technological changes in the agricultural activities especially in terms of increased use of motorized vehicles and equipments for agricultural purposes.

Aizawl District

In the majority of study areas step cultivation pattern is adopted due to the hilly terrain of the areas and no motorized interventions are either required or available for such patterns.

Champhai District

Like in other parts of Mizoram the majority of agriculture is manually done and no major mechanized intervention is popular in the areas.

Increase in Production of Dairy, Poultry and allied Activities

Connectivity of rural areas with the market centers does sometimes bring significant improvements in the productivity of such activities. Better backward and forward linkages can be developed with improved roads. Faster transport facilitates the delivery of perishable goods like milk and meat etc.

Aizawl District

It was observed in the villages covered under the district that very minimal changes in terms of improvement in dairy and poultry activities has taken place after the improved connectivity. Majority of rural households in the study areas were found to be involved in pig rearing activity; however no significant expansion in terms of increasing the number of piglets was visible.

Champhai District

Majority of the benefited villagers were found to be having 1 or 2 piglets and few chickens. The households were reported to be following this activity since a long time and no efforts or intentions of expanding the activity into a full fledged commercial venture were observed.

Increase in Prices for Agricultural Produces

There have been clear causal links between better connectivity and increased prices for the produces supplied by such connected villages. In case of production of perishable and seasonal products this increase can be astounding at times.

Aizawl District

It was observed that better connectivity to the markets and timely suitable adoption of cash crops has resulted into a significant increase in the prices for the produces of the farmers. It was also found that due to better connectivity resulting into faster transportation facilities the producers have been able to deliver fresh produces to the markets at the right time, thereby fetching better prices. With improved access to the knowledge about the market demands the uses of improved seeds and pesticides have also helped in earning higher prices.

All weather roads also have ensured an uninterrupted supply of the produces and the prices are even better in the rainy season when very less supply from other villages reach the markets on time. An average increase of 15-20% in the prices of vegetables has been recorded since the connectivity has improved.

Champhai District

The benefited habitations of the roads in the Champhai district have also seen improved prices for their agriculture produces because of faster accessibility to the markets. The respondents however recorded a higher savings due to reduced cost of transportation and easier accessibility to the markets. 60% of the respondents reported increase in the prices for their produces.

Increased Accessibility to markets for Agricultural Products

Construction of all weather roads has ensured the faster accessibility to the markets and in some cases it can also result in development of nearby markets. The surplus of the village produce can be conveniently transported at a cheaper cost of transportation. It also ensures the farmer for the remunerative prices for their products and perishable commodities like vegetables and fruits etc.

Aizawl District

It was found in Aizawl district that the Farmers not just easily supply their produce to the markets of Aizawl but some of them even send their produce to Silchar, a market they could not even think of reaching in the past because all the connecting kutcha roads to their land were damaged during a major part of the year and there was no motor transport available. 62% respondents reported to have benefited due to the increased accessibility to the markets in the villages covered under the study. It was reported by the respondents that increased availability of public and private transport has also reduced the cost of transportation drastically and has resulted into increased savings and profits to the farmers' community.

Better connectivity has also resulted into development of the Mualpheng village (Road No.1) as a marketing hub for the nearby habitations. Smaller farmers from neighbouring villages Maite and Tawizo sell their produces in Mualpheng village.

Mr. LALTHLAMUANA, Mualpheng Village Council President: "People now come to Mualpheng from neighbouring villages Maite and Tawizo to buy and sell through this road and we also use this road to send truckloads of ginger directly to Silchar, THANKS TO THIS PMGSY ROAD" (Rulchawn to Mualpheng - Road 1)

Champhai District

All weather roads have made a very positive impact on the accessibility to the markets for the farmers of the study area now. The farmers were transporting their agricultural produces on head to the nearest point of the motorable road and from there to the nearest market at Khawzawl or Champhai. They now have mini trucks and pickup vans reaching their village, by which they reach faster and easier to Champhai market now. 60% of the respondents reported increased accessibility to markets for their agricultural products after the construction of the PMGSY roads.

Impact on Employment Generation

A major impact of rural roads manifests in employment generation. The construction and maintenance of roads is itself employment oriented. It generates employment within its own sector i.e., road and road transport. It also opens new opportunities within the rural area by setting up more & new industrial units, and other infrastructural facilities like irrigation, electrification, & other utility services. The Impact of construction of roads on employment generation at the village level in percentage terms is given at Annexure 1.2

Increase in Employment Opportunities in Agriculture Sector

Construction of rural roads results in opening of variety of employment opportunities in the rural areas. The most significant impact can be found in agriculture and rural industries etc.

Aizawl District

The respondents of the benefited villages in Aizawl district have reported an impressive impact in terms of increased employment opportunities in the agriculture sector. 35% villagers of Rulchawn and Mualpheng have reported and increase in the employment opportunities. Change in cropping pattern and increased cropping intensity has resulted into employing more people on agriculture than before.

Champhai District

The villages of Champhai district covered under the study have seen a drastic change in employment in the agriculture sector, however some respondents reported it to only seasonal.20% of the beneficiary respondents over the district have reported an increase in employment opportunities in agriculture sector.

Increase in Employment Opportunities in other sectors

Creation of rural roads generates greater benefits in terms of accessibility to employment opportunities in the rural areas. Roads also make the access easier for the working people who travel outside their village for their jobs on daily basis.

Aizawl District

The impact of rural roads on increased employment opportunities in various sectors has been very minimal primarily due to very less opportunities available for the same. Only 5% of the beneficiary respondents reported an increase in employment in other sectors.

Champhai District

In the study areas of the district no significance presence of industries or markets was observed. The majority of the rural population is engaged in agriculture only. The respondents reported no significant increase in the employment opportunities in the other sectors.

Increase in Employment Opportunities outside the village due to greater mobility

Construction of Rural roads results in increase in accessibility to employment opportunities outside the village area. The rural people employed in various sectors on wage employment and salaried jobs travel to the towns and market places on a daily basis. A large number of people especially women and aged avoid traveling outside when travel conditions are not congenial. The development of all weather roads facilitates easier and faster movement of people to their place of employment.

Aizawl District

A very positive impact of rural roads on increased employment opportunities in various sectors has been observed in the villages of Aizawl district. Many villagers in Phullen, Sihfa, Tachhip and a large number of people from Phulpui village travel daily to Aizawl and other places for seeking employment. In Phulpui village large number of people travel to Aizawl by a Daily Special bus. The condition of these people can be very well imagined when these roads did not exist.55% of the respondents reported an increase in employment opportunities.

Champhai District

The villagers of Champhai district have also reported a very positive impact on increase in availability of job outside the village due to greater mobility. A large number of people who work as wage labourers in Khawzawl and Champhai towns and other nearby areas travel on a daily basis. 47% respondents reported an increase in the employment opportunities outside the village.

Impact on Industry

The construction of rural roads provides an opportunity to the entrepreneurs for setting up industrial units particularly the agro-based industries which are based on the locally available raw materials. The existing industries get a boost in their profits due to reduction in the cost of transportation of raw materials from the outside and marketing of finished products. Good road connection also helps industries in getting other factors of production like labour, capital, etc. at a cheaper rate and in time. The development of roads in the rural areas has been a recent incidence and considered transitory by the people. For development of industry and other long term investments the confidence regarding proper upkeep and maintenance of such roads in the future, needs to be built. The Impact of construction of roads on the industry at the village level in percentage terms is given at Annexure 1.3

Improvement in access to raw material

Creation of rural roads is crucial in the supply of inputs to the industry in rural areas. It results in uninterrupted flow of raw material in all seasons and also at a cheaper transport cost. However in Aizawl and Champhai districts the villages covered under the study, have very less industrial activity and a very few number of small units were present in the study area.

Aizawl District

In the villages covered in Aizawl district, the impact of the roads on improvement in access to raw material for the industry has been minimal due to a very scanty presence of industries; however some benefit was reported by people involved in jaggery production. 10% beneficiary respondents reported increase in access to raw materials.

Champhai District

The impact on the industry in terms of better access for raw material has not been also very significant in Champhai District. Only 7% respondents reported improvement in access to raw materials.

Improvement in access to market for finished goods

Provision of rural roads has a very significant impact on improvement in access to the markets for the products of rural industries. It can cause improvement in terms of reaching distant marketplaces at reduced costs.

Aizawl District

Study areas of Aizawl district have so far not benefited in a very large way because the supply of whatever they produce is not more than the demand in their village and surrounding areas. In a scenario where better connectivity will certainly result in development of the industrial sector, marketable surplus would reach the demanding markets much faster now. Only 8% respondents could see the benefit of roads in terms of providing improved access to the markets.

Champhai District

Minimal impact in terms of improved access to markets was visible in the benefited villages primarily because of less number of rural enterprises present in the study areas.

Change in number of local industries

Benefits such as lower cost of raw materials, expansion of markets and improved access can result in increase in number of new enterprises coming up in the area.

Aizawl District

In Aizawl district, the change in the number of industries from pre-benefit to post-benefit period has not happened. Overall economic development and better social security would however result in such developments in the future.

Champhai District

In the study areas of the district no major industry has come up in the villages after construction of the PMGSY Road.

Change in technology and patterns

Provision of rural roads can enable easier access to better technology and knowledge and can significantly impact the change in the patterns of the production cycle. The improvements in volumes and savings due to connectivity can also catalyze such changes for better productivity.

Aizawl District

In the study areas of the district however no such change has been observed primarily because of many socio-economic reasons that prevail in the villages and any such improvement requires a longer period of observation, to be visible.

Champhai District

No significant change has occurred after the construction of the PMGSY Road in the study areas.

Change in Employment Patterns

Rural connectivity can bring an improvement in the industrial sector in the rural areas and consequently the employment situation in the industry.

Aizawl District

However in the district no major impact on the growth of rural industries has taken place and no major changes in the employment patterns has been recorded.

Champhai District

No visible impact was found in terms of change in employment patterns in the villages covered under the study.

Impact on Health Facilities

Rural areas of Mizoram have been suffering very seriously in terms of accessibility to the crucial necessities of life, like health care. Emergencies due to accidents, serious illness and complications in pregnancies require immediate medical attention. The general health status and awareness regarding preventive cure has also been very low in the isolated and backward rural areas of Mizoram.

Development of rural roads to connect the villages with the highway and nearby towns provide for establishing more health centers and dispensaries where the staff can function more effectively and attend more number of persons by increasing their area of operation. It might not result in increase in provision of facilities but can certainly improve access to existing facilities, which can be very beneficial in the case of emergencies and save lives. This better health standard increases the production, and creates better appreciation of family planning programme. With the good connection of roads, more efficient and qualified doctors are also attracted to work in the villages. Rural roads, wherever provided have helped a lot in mitigating the hardships suffered by the rural folk. The sick were carried on stretchers over the shoulders and in rainy season this was a nightmare for not only the patient but also for them, who use to carry him. Improved access to health facilities and better transport has come as a blessing to the community. The Impact of construction of roads on the health sector at the village level in percentage terms is given at Annexure 1.4

Change in Access to Health Centres

The health centres and dispensaries in the State of Mizoram are mostly available to inhabitants of well connected villages because during the rains the accessibility for isolated villages is drastically affected due to poor road conditions and the difficult terrain. The tribulations of the weather conditions are even more severe during the winters. Better connectivity has very significantly helped in solving this problem.

Aizawl District

In the study areas of the district majority of the villages had a health sub centre with 1 or 2 health workers and for serious illness and incidents requiring larger medical interventions the dependency is on the hospitals at Aizawl. Construction of PMGSY roads have resulted in a very significant improvement in the accessibility to health facilities needed in serious emergencies. A majority (80%) of respondents over all the villages observed that the roads have improved access to the health facilities.

Champhai District

Connectivity to the villages covered under the study has improved the accessibility of people to the health centres. The sufferings of the people due to poor road conditions, restricting them from reaching the hospitals in time have almost gone. 68% of the benefited inhabitants of the study areas in the district reported improved access to PHCs and hospitals due to construction of the Road.

Mr. LALHMINGA resident of Tualte Village: "Now nobody will die like my father died, due to non-availability of medical aid on time. Prior to the construction of Road we had to carry the emergency patients on stretchers on our shoulders, time taken was very long and many of them died without getting the medical treatment on the way. Incase of emergencies we have a Sumo in our village and can reach the hospital much faster" Road -1

Improved Access of Health Workers

The provision of better roads results in easier and faster access of health workers for preventive and curative health care. The visits can get more frequent and coverage can be better because the time on traveling gets reduced and comfortable.

Aizawl District

In the villages benefited by PMGSY roads in district, it was observed that the coverage and awareness about health campaigns has drastically improved after the coming up of the roads. 67% of respondents have replied in affirmative on the question about increased visits of health workers in their villages. The highest response (80%) was reported by the villagers benefited by Road-1.

Champhai District

The villages of Champhai district benefited by PMGSY Road have reported a significant improvement in the frequency and coverage by health workers after the connectivity. 60% of the respondents in Hmunhmetha village (Road - 3) reported better coverage by health workers.

Changes in Incidences of Major Diseases

Rural population is at higher risks of suffering from major diseases due to lack of awareness and proper hygiene. Inaccessibility to health facilities and timely medical aid increases the potentiality of suffering serious threats to the lives of these people. Improved connectivity has drastically reduced the devastating effects of such threats in the benefited habitations now.

Aizawl District

In the villages of Aizawl district, covered under the study it was observed that, better connectivity has reduced the chances of the threats of serious diseases affecting the population than before. Increased awareness due to improved access for the health workers was observed. Preventive health care and curative assistance is easier and faster to access now and the villagers have reported to be very happy due to this development. Almost 52% of respondents reported an increase in the awareness and prevention efforts of these diseases.

The real impact of change in the incidences of such diseases is a long term effect and requires a longer observation period.

Champhai District

The availability of all weather roads has significantly improved the effectiveness of awareness campaigns in the villages of Champhai district also. 55% of the benefited inhabitants recorded improved health awareness and prevention efforts.

Greater Availability of Vehicles to Hospitals

Development of rural roads infrastructure has drastically improved the mobility level of the beneficiary population and availability of vehicles for access to health related needs and emergencies. The connectivity scenario in the rural areas of Mizoram has been very bad due to lack of proper roads and the long monsoon periods. The Government hospital emergency services are not equipped to provide ambulances in the rural interiors but other private vehicles have been able help a lot in such emergencies.

Aizawl District

It was observed in the study areas of the district that construction of rural roads has significantly improved the transportation facilities for the villagers. Almost every village had 2 to 4 Jeeps/Sumos owned by the villagers which are available to them incase of emergencies. A facility like public transport; buses etc. are not available and is an issue of concern because the village population is largely dependent on the owners of Jeeps etc. Almost everybody in the group discussions reported an increase the availability of vehicles for hospitals

Champhai District

The study areas of the district have suffered some very drastic problems in the past in transporting the sick to the hospitals and they see roads as saviors of lives in case of emergencies. Some very heartening incidents were narrated to the study team by the villagers. The impact has been so positive that 100% of the respondents in all the villages reported about the benefit of the Road in terms of providing greater availability of vehicles in case of emergencies.

Changes in Maternity and Neo-natal Care

Better connectivity and improved access to health facilities causes a very positive impact on the health status of the mother and child in the rural areas.

Aizawl District

The study areas of the district have been benefited a lot in terms of improved accessibility to health care facilities for the expecting mothers and the child. 78% of respondents felt that the frequency of visits to the health centres of the expecting mothers in their families have drastically improved after the roads have come up.

Champhai District

PMGSY roads have improved the access to health facilities for the women and awareness in the villages regarding child health. Majority of inhabitants (85%) recorded an increase in the frequency of visits to health facilities by the women of their families.

Impact on Education Sector

The educational institutions have a fairly satisfactory network in the villages of Mizoram. However the problems of mobility during rainy season use to affect the frequency of missing the classes by the students of nearby habitations. The development of roads has improved the transportation facilities thereby helping the students to reach their schools on time and regularly. The problem of reaching school on time and regularly was also a problem for the teachers and the construction of roads has helped the teachers reach on time due to greater mobility. In some cases it was observed that some teachers have also purchased two wheelers after the construction of PMGSY roads. The Impact of construction of roads on the education at the village level in percentage terms is given at Annexure 1.5

Increase in attendance of Primary & Middle Schools

Development of rural roads improves the travel conditions for the students in a very significant manner. It reduces the travel time and ensures comfortable travel during all seasons for them. The schools in rural areas experience a drastic shortfall incase their students have to travel long distances during rainy season. The presence of Primary and Middle schools in and around the villages covered under the study however did not have this problem because majority of their students were from the same villages.

Aizawl District

The data of the Primary and Middle Schools serving the study villages of the district and the opinion of the benefited households was used to assess the impact of the rural roads on the attendance of schools. 8% of the respondents felt that the frequency of their children missing schools during the rainy season has gone down. The school data reflects a minor improvement (3.33%) in the overall attendance of the students during May - September period as compared to the same period of the previous year.

Champhai District

7% of the respondents felt that the frequency of their children missing schools during the rainy season has gone down. The Primary school data reflects a minor improvement (2.33%) in the overall attendance of the students during May - September period as compared to the same period of the previous year.

Mr. C.N. Rao, Headmaster of the Govt. High School, Sihfa said that the attendance of the students has increased in his school, after the construction of the road. He further said that the college going boys and girls use to miss many classes in rainy season as the condition of the road was very bad, but after the construction of this PMGSY road college students are using vehicles to commute and they have become more regular to the college. He himself has also purchased a new motorcycle after completion of the road. Road No 3

Increase in enrolment in High and Secondary schools

The High schools serving the rural areas are mostly located at smaller towns and higher population villages. Villages in the surrounding areas of these places send their wards to the schools. The literacy rates in the State are very impressive and the rural population is well aware about the importance of education in the development of their children. The provision of all weather roads have drastically benefited the population of those habitations where the children had to travel outside the villages to reach the High schools.

Aizawl District

In the study area of the district most of the villages like Tachhip and Sihfa had a local High school however children from nearby habitations who use to travel on feet to reach these schools were reported to be largely benefited due to increased availability of transport facilities. In the other villages covered under the study where the students were traveling outside their villages to reach the High schools have also been significantly benefited. Though the inclination amongst the rural population about sending their children to higher schools is anyway satisfactory. The improvement in the socio-economic aspects of the households would encourage the families to spend more on higher education of their children. 18% of the respondents observed in affirmative on the question of sending their children to higher school post road rehabilitation.

Champhai District

A large number of populations of the selected villages in Champhai district are dependent on the High schools located in Champhai town. Improved connectivity and better transport facilities now has encouraged a lot of people to send their wards for higher education. During the group discussions 20% of the respondents reported increased chances of sending their children to higher schools now.

Increase in enrolment of Girl child in schools

The issue of low literacy rates of girl child is not prevalent in Mizoram, but the concern of the parents of a girl child about the safety and security of their wards in case the child has to walk on foot for long distances is certainly there.

Aizawl District

In the study areas the respondents reported to be more comfortable regarding sending their girl child for higher education after the improvement in connectivity. However the data does not show any significant improvement in the figures as compared to the previous year(s).

Champhai District

The villages connected by PMGSY roads have better accessibility through public and private transport to the education institutions. The much desired impact of increase in enrollment of girl child in the schools is expected. On the idea of inclination to send the girls in their families, majority of the respondents were positive.

Impact on Transportation Facilities

Creation of rural roads provides a drastic improvement of the transport services available to the connected villages. The mobility level of the populations gets increased. The provision of rural roads results in the speedier movement of men and material between producing centre and market-place. The marketable surplus of the village produce can be conveniently transported at a cheaper cost of transportation. It also ensures the farmer for the remunerative prices for their products and perishable commodities like milk, vegetables, eggs, etc. The inhabitants also acquire other vehicles like scooter, jeeps and tempos etc. The Impact of construction of roads on the transportation facilities at the village level in percentage terms is given at Annexure 1.6

Improvement in Public Transport and Commercial Vehicles Services

The connectivity by all weather roads has come as blessings to the rural areas that have been deprived of benefits of vehicular transport till now. Public and Private investments in the field of transport services become more feasible in the sector and the people stand to benefit a lot.

Aizawl District

In the Study areas of Aizawl the single highest impact after Agriculture Sector has been observed in the transportation sector. The villages connected through Roads constructed under PMGSY have a heavy traffic of jeeps, Sumos, pick-up vans and mini trucks. A huge 77% of beneficiary respondents felt that the transportation facilities have been improved.

Champhai District

The villages have large number of private transport vehicles and load carriers available for the services required by the people. 58% of the benefited respondents reported improvement in transport service.

Increase in Ownership of Motorized Vehicles

Use of motorized vehicles in rural areas and especially hilly areas is always related to the road conditions. After development of all weather roads, it has been observed that there has been significant increase in the ownership of motorized vehicles.

Aizawl District

In the study areas of Aizawl district the benefited villagers have reported an increase in the use of two wheelers, jeeps and mini trucks etc. In every village there has been an increase in the ownership of motorized vehicles. Though in percentage terms the figures are low but 2-3 vehicles in habitations of 500 plus populations is an impressive improvement.

Champhai District

The villagers covered under the study in Champhai district have reported comparatively low increase in ownership of vehicles but an equally high flow of traffic due to use of hired commercial vehicles can also be termed satisfactory. Two out of three roads have only been completed up to formation cutting; a more significant impact would be visible after the black topping is done. Some respondents reported to have plans of acquiring mini buses once the black topping is done.

Impact on other Social Aspects

Social Impacts of rural roads other than those already mentioned in the report can be many aspects which affect the day to day lives of rural people like security, overall development, cultural and social welfare. The impacts on these aspects are difficult to quantify but an impressionistic study of them does elaborate on the value of connectivity and its appreciation.

Improvement in Access to Government Offices

Improved connectivity provides for easier access to many services including that are provided by the government. The rural population has to very frequently travel to the administration's offices for many reasons including applying for benefit, seek redressal and frequent follow-ups etc. Better connectivity provides faster access to towns and the poor and disadvantaged sections also can afford the much needed service because of cheaper mobility.

Aizawl District

The respondents of the villages of Aizawl district have also reported that the connectivity has certainly improved the access to the Block and District offices. The Officials of these agencies also reported that the frequency of visits of the villagers from the connected villages is comparatively much higher now than before.

Champhai District

The PMGSY roads covered under the study provide for faster access to the Block and District offices from the connected villages. The villagers have reported a drastic increase in the frequency of visits.

Increase in the frequency of visits of Government Functionaries

The areas here-to-fore inaccessible become easy to reach for administrative and welfare agencies after development of roads. There were many incidents observed during the study where the development activity (construction) was only made possible after the development of PMGSY roads.

Aizawl District

A large number of respondent villagers reported improved frequency of visits by government officials only to some extent.

Champhai District

The villages connected through PMGSY roads were almost inaccessible during major part of the year due to rains and poor road conditions. The roads now have ensured increased number of visits and larger attention of the development and welfare agencies of the Government.

Changes in Access to Security/Police Stations

The Availability of better travel conditions after construction of rural roads result in huge changes in the security scenario in the connected now.

Aizawl District

In the villages covered under the study in Aizawl district the access to the nearest police station has become faster on almost all the cases. Majority of villagers reported that the access to the police stations have become faster now and the response time of the police has also improved significantly.

Champhai District

The villages of Champhai district covered under the study have seen a significant change in the security scenario. The accessibility to the police station is faster now.

Improvement in access to Banks/Post Offices

Rural Banks and Post offices have been crucial in the economic development of the rural areas. A large population relies on the banks and post offices to invest their savings securely and provide for finances. The connectivity can have a very positive impact on accessibility to these services.

Aizawl District

In the study areas of Aizawl district the villages the study areas have significantly benefited due to better connectivity to the institutions.

Champhai District

The PMGSY roads constructed in the district have made the access to post offices much easier than before. It was also observed in the study areas that the transactions with banking institutions have increased.

Urbanisation

The development of rural roads brings a lot of prosperity and improved productivity to the connected habitations. The study areas have seen some rapid changes and diversities from traditional systems to modern systems and a lot of these changes bring an urban scenario to the villages. The increase in the price of land and changes in land use patterns are primarily the most important ones. The improved accessibility to the markets also brings change in the consumption patterns of the beneficiary households.

Profile of the Study Areas

Newly Constructed Community Hall/ Pipes of PHE to be installed

Construction of the community hall and a piped water supply scheme was a long pending demand of the people of Mualpheng village. However this was realized only after the construction of the PMGSY road for the village. The material was easily transported and one community hall worth Rs. 8 lakh has been constructed in the village. Work has almost completed. Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) has been able to transport pipes to the village for providing drinking water after the construction of the PMGSY road. (Rulchawn Mualpheng Road No 1 Aizawl District)

Increase in Land Prices

An increase in the productivity of the agricultural land and proportionate profits improves the market price of land. An effect on changes in the price of land was studied by taking the opinion of the farm land owners in the benefited villages.

Aizawl District

In the villages covered under the study a significant increase was reported by the respondents. Though the transaction of sale and purchase is very restricted as per the law of the land, it was observed that the ownership of land of higher market value represents the higher economic status of the households.

Champhai District

It was observed during the study that there has been at least 10-15% increase in the prices of the land in the village areas after completion of the roads.

Increase in sale of land for commercial use

The provision of improved connectivity brings many developments in the rural areas such as increased productivity of agro/rural industries etc can cause demand for commercial use of land.

Aizawl District

In the study areas of Aizawl district no incidence of change of land use for commercial purposes has been reported. However this has many other crucial factors like legal restrictions etc.

Champhai District

It was found that the demand for land for commercial purposes has increased in some villages. However no major change in terms of sale of land for commercial purposes has been reported.

Changes in consumption patterns of daily needs

The development of rural roads brings improved accessibility to the markets and markets to the villages. The marketing of products has been very aggressively pursued by the supply chains in the rural areas also. The consumption patterns of the villagers have also suitably shifted to the choice of more attractive and better products.

Aizawl District

The connected villages of Aizawl district have also seen rapid changes of consumption patterns in their daily need items. The village shops were seen selling a lot of branded items and the shop owners reported that due to the better connectivity available they could easily bring those items to their shops now.

Champhai District

Significant changes in the consumption patterns of the beneficiary villagers have been observed in the villages. There is an increase demand of branded consumer products and availability of them has been visible at the village shops.

Changes in Housing Patterns

A very significant impact of rural roads has been on the construction patterns of the houses in the rural areas of Mizoram.

Aizawl District

In the study area of Aizawl district it was observed that the connectivity has impacted the processes and preferences of people regarding house construction patterns in a very significant way. The availability of men and material is easy now and a large number of concrete construction houses have taken place after the construction of the roads. The villages of Road 1 & 3 have seen a very drastic impact in this case.

Champhai District

In the Champhai district, the inhabitants of Hmunhmetha and Taulte villages have constructed a large number of RCC houses for themselves.

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