Healthy response to Sangai Fest testifies tourism potential
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: November 28, 2022 -

Understandably upbeat as resumption of the Manipur Sangai Festival, after a Covid-induced hiatus for two years, has been progressing smoothly, drawing increasing number of visitors to the different venues and prominent personalities including union ministers and representatives of foreign embassies attending both official and cultural events, chief minister N Biren seems to be relishing over the potential that the state has for development in the tourism sector.

Impressed with the healthy response and reactions to hosting of the calendar event from locals as well as tourists, the chief minister announced that the state government would soon develop the Makhel heritage site in Senapati district into a world class heritage site cum tourist destination with similar declarations also made regarding further development of the Sangai Ethnic Park at Moirang Khunou in Bishnupur district and the Ibudhou Marjing Complex, Heingang in Imphal East district.

While it is imperative that the government keeps the focus on further infrastructural development of these aforementioned locations so as to make it convenient for the visitors throughout the year, it is desired that priority be given towards proper maintenance of the roadways, especially those leading to the tourist spots.

Compared to roads that fall under the national highways and its repairing entrusted to work agencies funded by the Union government, potholes dotted inter-district and inter-village roads remain neglected for months with the department concerned either citing paucity of funds or blaming it on inclement weather, unmindful of the fact that these days heavy and efficient machines are used for road construction and repair works.

For instance, facelift of Imphal city and pothole mending works are generally carried out on a war footing when leaders of national repute or important events like the annual Sangai festival aimed at showcasing the state's tourism potential are round the corner.

No doubt, proposal and initiation of infrastructure development projects will ultimately depend on generous fund allocation by the Union government as the state is bereft of any major sources of revenue collection.

However, if the state government could ensure judicious utilisation of the funds received from New Delhi and showcase progress of projects at the ground level then it is obvious that the centre wouldn't fret from aiding the state in realising its developmental objective. With central leaders too frequently trumpeting achievements made under the double-engine government, there is no valid reason for the government of Manipur to hesitate from seeking patronage of the Centre for structural development as absence of the same would seriously dash the dream for a progressive state.

As restoration of peace in the erstwhile insurgency and agitation prone state has been the greatest achievement of the incumbent N Biren-led government, it is high time that the establishment accelerate the pace of development with priority towards ensuring viable tourism infrastructure for this sector has immense potential to spur advancement of the state.

Thus, it is recommended that the government of Manipur seriously pursue its vision for further enhancement of the tourism sector, as stated by CM Biren during Saturday's inauguration of the Makhel Heritage Festival and at different other venues of the on-going Manipur Sangai Festival.