Several projects inaugurated CM warns against rampant deforestation
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, January 28 2023: Chief Minister N Biren Singh today inaugurated and dedicated several projects at Andro and further assured to bring more development there.

Following a series of inaugurations and dedication of projects including inauguration of a 33/11 KV sub- station at Andro, dedication of Huikap High School, inauguration of 100 bedded girls' hostel and school building at Andro High School, dedication of 100 bedded girls' hostel at KGBV, Andro and upgra-dation of KGBV Andro NP, the Chief Minister attended a formal function at Nung-kot where he inaugurated Integrated Approach for Enhancing Ecosystem Services of Nungkot, an NEC funded project.

Several projects inaugurated CM warns against rampant deforestation

Speaking at the formal function, the Chief Minister asked officials of the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change to identify locations around hillocks and check feasibility of developing similar projects with assistance from the Centre.

The Chief Minister also appreciated the officials of Environment and Climate Change Department for their efforts and at the same time warned the people of global warming.

"We are now feeling the heat even in January.

There will be no winter or water in another 10 years if we allow the present trend of deforestation", Biren said.

"Today we are witnessing bare hill slopes", he warned.

Manipur, as a State has so much potential, he continued speaking of the beautiful landscapes and natural beauty of the State.

The Chief Minister further spoke strongly against deforestation and urged the locals against cutting down of trees and assured gas connection to all households which do not have gas connections.

Saying that the area has now two major tourist attractions, the Santhei Natural park and the project inaugurated today, he further spoke about development of Kaina.

The Chief Minister also said that all communities in the State should have the freedom to grow and live, without any pressure from other communities.

Highlighting a series of inaugurations in recent times including Polo Statue at Ibudhou Marjing, Olympian Park, Southern Cultural Centre at Behiang etc, he said that it is the inauguration month of the incumbent Government and that the Government believes in delivering on their promises.

N Biren appealed to the local clubs of villages inhabiting the foothills in the valley and those neighbouring hill districts to form youth committees.

Further highlighting recent wildfires, the Chief Minister said these committees in consultation with the District Forest Officers or local police should conduct foot patrolling in their respective areas and check use of fire by picnickers which could start wildfires and destroy forest.

At the Kasturba Gandhi Bal Vidyalaya, N Biren Singh assured to look into the demands of the students.

Encouraging the young girls students of the school, the Chief Minister cited several references to highlight that women have always been in the forefront.

He reminded the young students of the role played by womenfolk of the land in driving out the Burmese army from the land with the support and guidance of Heerachandra during the Seven Years Devastation.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Power Minister Thongam Biswajit said that inauguration of the 33/11 KV sub-station will considerably improve power supply in the area.

He said earlier power supply to Andro was fed from the 33/11 Kongba sub-station passing through thick vegetation resulting in poor quality and irregular power supply.

Biswajit said the new sub-station will supply power to Andro and its nearby villages like Huikap, Moirangpurel, Angtha, Phunal Maring, Karpur Sungba, Ngariyan Muslim village, Nongmaijing etc.

He continued that it will further help in bringing industries in the area.

Biswajit also said that sustainable development depends on education and further lauded local MLA Th Shyamkumar for his efforts in improving education sector in the area.

Citing inauguration of a number of projects, Biswajit further said that the present Government believes in delivering their promises.

The function was also attended by Education Minister Th Basanta Kumar Singh, local MLA T Shyamkumar Singh and Additional Chief Secretary (Forest and Environment) MH Khan, among others.

Cultural programmes were also presented during the function which was also attended by locals of Nungkot and Andro.