Foundation stones of 3 ambitious tourism projects laid
BISHENPUR, March 4: State chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh laid foundation stones of two tourism projects at Sendra, while secretary tourism, government of India Parvez Dewan laid another today.
The CM today laid the foundation stones of the Integrated Cable Car and Lake-side Tourism Development Project at Loktak Lake and Development of Tourist Resort at Sendra Hillock Water Sports Complex at Takmu area in Bishnupur.
Today’s inaugural program was also attended by parliamentary secretary YAS and Tourism M Prithiviraj; Thanga MLA T Mangibabu.
Parvez Dewan later laid the foundation stone of the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Nongmai Ching, Imphal with state chief secretary PC Lawmkunga and additional chief secretary finance/ planning RR Rashmi.
The chief guest of the function, Chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh said that it is fortunate of the state that four mega projects of tourism including the three for which foundation stones were laid today and the already sanctioned development project of Kebaching, Kaina and Marjing Pony Sanctuary have been approved for the state.
He further expressed his personal gratitude to the union secretary Parvez Dewan.
Continuing with his address, he said the successful execution of the projects require support from the public.
The projects taken up today will be great assets for tomorrow’s generation, the chief minister asserted.
CM Ibobi Singh appealed to all to work for the successful conduct of the projects considering the future and in the overall interest of the state.
Expert views will be taken for the successful execution of the projects, he said and added, “if the need arise, public opinion will also be invited.”
Elaborating on the projects, he stated, connecting the three kms approx. from Sendra to Chaoba Hills by cable cars is also included in the project and in the second phase, if possible it will be connected uptill Karang.
On the other hand, the government had already compensated the dweller around the Takmu Water Sports Complex for the construction of an eco-tourism park, however, certain parties have started new construction, he said before appealing to all to evacuate at the earliest.
He further expressed the need for widening of the Sendra road and appealed for support and cooperation from the public in the endeavour.
Union Tourism secretary Parvez Dewan said the department machineries are doing excellent work.
And as such central grants for several projects especially for Manipur totalling upto nine percent of the total fund of the ministry will be granted to the state.
He further expressed his desire to see tourism sector bring much development and prosperity to the state.
Chief secretary Lawmkunga said the projects have become a reality only because of the hard work of the government.
Thanga MLA T Mangibabu while lauding the efforts of the CM said he on behalf of the people of the area welcome and appreciate the CM for his efforts to develop tourism in Thanga.
He further appealed to the people against disturbing the developmental works.
He said places like Hong Kong, Makau which are famous tourist places have only water bodies, where Manipur has hills, valley, water bodies and islands and the abundance of such sceneries could only attract more tourists.