Shyamkr eyes world tourist map for Andro Santhei
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, April 03 2018: Forest and Environment Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar today announced that the eviction drive at the encroached reserve forest areas will begin after April 10.Shyamkumar made the announcement after inspecting an encroached area at Ngariyan Reserve Forest on Imphal-Yairipok road, 100 metres from Keirao Wangkhem.

The Minister accompanied by the department officials found that the encroachers had put up fencing on the road.

The team also found that road was cut to make a path near the Sera Garden and fencing was put on the road side.

The Minister instructed Forest officials to take up necessary action against the encroacher and the Forest Department officials for not taking any action against the encroacher.

The encroached area comes under the jurisdiction of the Thoubal Forest Division under Ngariyal Forest Range.

Shyamkr eyes world tourist map for Andro Santhei

He announced that after April 10, the department will start clearing the encroached areas at reserve forests.

Speaking to media persons at Andro Santhei Natural Park, Th Shyarnkumar said he is trying to include Andro Santhei Natural Park on the world tourist map within the next 2 years.

He said there is a plan for expansion of the park for which various departments including Forest, Environment, Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Water Resource and locals are being discussed and consulted for concept ideas.

He said various plantations are being undertaken at the park under Green India Mission and CAMPA schemes under the Forest Department.

He said introduction of cable cars from Naharup Pangong to Khalong, Khalong to Andro will enable the tourists to cover the distance in 10 mins.

Visitors from Imphal will be ferried in a cable car from Naharup Pangong to Andro and the stoppage will be at Andro, adjacent to Andro Santhei Natural Park, he added.

Th Shyamkumar said most of the scenic views of the State can be seen from the hill top at the Khalong like Moirang, Loktak, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi.

He opined that after seeing the natural scenic beauty people will be discouraged and reluctant to destroy the forest area.

He once again appealed to the public not to burn the forest areas and focus on conserving the forest and wildlife of the State.

He said cooperation is needed from the departments and locals to achieve the target.

The Minister also said the focus will be on conserving the natural resources and enhancing the area by constructing resorts, planting different plantation among others to attract tourist.

The idea is to promote natural beauty of the area, he added.

The team also visited the Panam Ningthou Garden.

Shyamkumar was accompanied by top officials of Forest Department, Directorate of Environment, Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department among others.