Rs 15 crore eco-tourism project inaugurated

Imphal: Manipur chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh on Wednesday inaugurated an eco-tourism project developed under the ministry of DoNER (NLCPR) at Thangmeiband Cheirao Ching in Imphal West.

“People in Manipur used to live amidst tensions within the confines of their homes and there was limited leisure in life. As such with the improvement of the situation in the past few years, the government had been trying to give leisure spaces by developing such sites which could also attract tourists,” Biren said.

The Cheirao Ching eco-tourism project was developed at an estimated cost of around Rs15 crore. Its foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit in March 2018.

The project was completed within three years though it was hindered for quite a long time due to delay in getting forest/environment clearance and Covid-19 pandemic, the chief minister said.

Development projects should always be planned with a farsighted vision. Various localities are now frequently flooded due to rampant constructions in Lamphelpat which should have been kept as a wetland, he said.

Stating that it is heartening to learn that local clubs of Thangmeiband are ready to get involved in running the tourist site, Biren said a modality would be formulated soon in consultation with the local MLA and local clubs for the operation and maintenance of the site.

“The government is planning to install electric cars for old-aged and differently abled people, who wish to reach the towers located in the hill-top,” he said.

Solar lamps would be installed up to the hill-top and security would be deployed for the convenience of the visitors for night seeing as well, he added.

Expressing hope that the project would definitely benefit local people, he sought support and co-operation from them regarding proper maintenance and running of the site.

Tourism minister Shri inam Lukhoi, CAF and PD minister Thokchom Satyabrata, deputy Speaker Kongkham Robindro and Thangmeiband AC MLA Kh. Joykishan, chief secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar and other high ranking officials attended the function among others.

+ There are no comments

Add yours