Tourist destination
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 22 2014:
Manipur Government is to develop a Kaina tourist destination under a project 'Development of Integrated Mega Tourist Circuit for Marjing Polo-Kaina-Khebaching (Khongjom), Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh informed the State Assembly today.
"Kaina tourist destination will be developed soon.
The State Government is waiting for the Centre's fund for the project," the Chief Minister said in a reply to a question by Manipur Trinamool MLA Th Shyamkumar on the last day of the winter session of the State Assembly.
Kaina, a small hillock under Andro in Imphal East, is located about 29 km from the State capital on Yairipok road.
It is considered a sacred place by Hindus.
Development of the sacred site as a tourist destination is likely to start once the Union Ministry of Tourism sanctions the amount for the project.
Replying to another question from Trinamool MLA Kh Joykishan, the Chief Minister, who also holds additional charge of Art & Culture portfolio, stressed on the importance of preserving the more than 200 years old legendary banyan tree "Sati Khongnang" on the bank of Imphal river in Mayang Imphal.
Tourism facilities developed under the project "Integrated Development of Tourist Circuit for Imphal-Mahadev-Lambui-Finch Corner-Hundung-Nungbi-Jessami, Ukhrul district are at advanced stage of completion," Ibobi told the Assembly while replying to a question of Naga People's Front (NPF) MLA Samuel Risom.
The Chief Minister added, "These tourism facilities are among those which are under process for leasing out in accordance with the recently approved sub-leasing policy" .
In a separate question of MLA Risom, Education Minister M Okendro said, "There is a Government programme for improving Pettigrew College, Ukhrul" .