CM inspects pony breeding facilities
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, June 28 2022:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday inspected the 30-acre Pony Breeding Ground at Lamphelpat which was allocated to Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association (MHRPA).
He also inspected the pony breeding site at Pangei in Imphal East district.
Briefing the media at Lamphelpat, CM Biren stated that Pony has been associated with Manipur since time immemorial and had taken an important role in driving out the invaders from Awa (now Myanmar) from Manipur during the Seven Years' Devastation Period.
However, due to lack of breeding ground, we could see many ponies wandering on the roads leading to accidents and endangering the survival of the species.
As such, the state government along with MHRPA started bringing the ponies to the designated breeding ground, he added.
Expressing surprise on learning from experts that Manipur Pony is the only horse breed which has adaptability for feeding at swampy land, Biren expressed his proud feeling for the uniqueness of the pony.
He continued that the state government has made a plan to conserve water bodies for which 427-acre of land would be dug up.
Stating that the earth left from the digging would be used to level up the breeding ground at Lamphelpat, he added that the breeding ground would be upgraded to make it a permanent breeding ground for ponies.
He also informed that a Polo Ground each would be developed in the five valley districts, adding that Sagol Kangjei Ground at Wangjing Tentha Awang Leikai, Thoubal District would be developed first, while adding that construction of a 150 ft tall Polo Statue at Ebudhou Marjing is nearing completion.
Maintaining that the state government has been taking up all possible measures to safe guard the Manipuri Pony, Biren urged the pony owners not to let their ponies loose on the roads but to bring them to the breeding ground at Lamphelpat if the owners do not have such facility at their places.
He further urged for concerted efforts towards conservation of the only indigenous pony breed of the state.
Later, the Chief Minister took stock of the progress of construction of Polo Ground at Ebudhou Marjing Eco-Tourism Park.
During the inspection visit, the CM was accompanied by TA & Hills minister Letpao Haokip, Social Welfare minister Heikham Dingo and Keirao MLA Lourembam Rameshwor Meetei among others.