Feasibility of Keibul Heritage Park under scanner
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 03 2018:
The State Government's plan to develop a heritage park at Keibul Lamjao is questionable as it is contradictory to the announcement that the Keibul Lamjao National Park is an eco-sensitive zone.
Speaking at a public function held at the Tribal Research Institute here on May 11, Chief Minister N Biren stated that a project of Rs 90 crore had been sent to the Central Government for development of a heritage park at Keibul Lamjao.
According to a plan of the State Government, the heritage park would also serve as a principal venue for the annual Manipur Sangai Festival and replicas of houses typical to different communities of Manipur would be constructed there.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued a notification on April 15 whereby Keibul Lamjao National Park was announced as an eco-sensitive zone.
The notification further designated surrounding areas of the park up to 8.43 Kms from its boundary as eco-sensitive zone, informed a source.
There are 41 villages within this eco-sensitive zone.
They are Arong, Chandpur, Chingmei, Elang khangpokpi, Hiyanglam, Ithai Khunou, Ithing, Keirenphabi, Kakching Khunou, Keibul, Khordak, Komlakhong, Konuma, Kumbi, Lamjao, Langmeidong, Laphupat, Maring, Moirang, Moirang Khunou, Munsoi, Nongmaikhong, Phoubakchao, Sagram, Sekmaijin Khunou, Sendra, Santhapur, Sharik, Tera Khunou, Thanga, Thangalawai, Thongam, Thongjao, Thounaojam, Tokpaching, Waikhong, Wangoo, Wangoo Laikha, Wangoo Tera, Wangoo Sabal and Yangdong.
The notification laid down that the tourism master plan of the eco-sensitive zone should be complied with strictly even if the State Government has a plan to take up eco-tourism related activities.
The notification says that no new hotels or resorts should be constructed within the eco-sensitive zone.
It further said that all tourism related activities should comply with the Ministry's guidelines but it gives freedom to all the people already residing within the eco-sensitive zone to take up different activities on their own land.
The notification prohibits commercial mining, establishment of new industrial units, saw mills, mega hydroelectric projects, saw mills, large scale farming of cattle, poultry etc.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has also constituted a committee headed by the Conservator of Forest to oversee different activities carried within the eco-sensitive zone, added the source.