Imphal, January 16: State Govt has earmarked and kept aside Rs 15 lakhs for developing the existing tourist centres in Manipur during the current budgetary period 2005-06 even as measures have been taken up for developing some new tourist centres, a top official of the Tourism Department informed.

According to the official, the tourists centres which would be adorning new look are Phubala, INA Moirang, CCpur, Khongjom and Moreh.

As part of the measures being taken up for development of tourism industries in Manipur, the official said the State Tourism Department had proposed to the Government for developing/improving the existing tourist centres.

Accordingly, the State Govt earmarked Rs 15 lakhs in the plan allocation of the Dept for the purpose during 2005-06, the official disclosed Pointing out that deteriorating law and order condition has been one of the detrimental factors towards development of tourism industries in Manipur, the official noted with concerned that even the tourist centres which are to be improved/developed during the current financial year are being occupied by security posts.

From the side of the Department, the official said, the authorities concerned of the Government had been requested many times for moving out the security personnel from these tourist centres, but there has no positive response from the Government side till date.

Nevertheless, discussion are doing the around for developing the tourist centres during 2005-06, the official added.

The official further informed that out of Rs 15 lakhs allotted for the purpose, Rs 3 lakhs would be spend on each of the tourist centre.

Over and above these five tourist centres, the Tourism Department is considering to develop some more tourist spots which are laying in neglect for long due to want of proper attention by the Government.

However, as of now the matter has not yet been finalised in view of the fluid law and order condition and lack of adequate fund, the official said.

Among the tourist spots which the Tourism Department are proposing to develop newly are Shiroi in Ukhrul district, Tengnoupal in Chandel district, the official informed.

Improvement of the existing communication sys- tem is another thing that should be looked into for development of Tourism Industries in Manipur.

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