Khoupum SDO/BDO office inaugurated ; CM, Dy CM espouse inclusive development
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 29 2016: Chief Minister O Ibobi has assured to take up all possible measures in consultation with Cabinet Ministers regarding the demands put up by the people of Khoupum valley during the inaugural function of Khoupum SDO/BDO block office complex this morning.

Speaking as chief guest at the inaugural function, Ibobi stated that the State Government has been working with a long term vision to create necessary administrative and developmental infrastructure in the hill areas of the State.

The State Government constructed the SDO/BDO office complex under the scheme of inclusive infrastructure development in the hill areas.

Khoupum SDO/BDO office inaugurated

He stated that Home Minister Gaikhangam is a reputed politician with vast political experience who is equally popular in both the hills and valley.

The State is fortunate to have a leader like Gaikhangam and it would be hard to find a person who can be compared with Gaikhangam in the contemporary period.

He also stated that a politician like Gaikhangam is very much needed in the larger interest of a pluralistic Manipur.

Asserting that Gaikhangam is a distinguished leader of not only Nungba AC or Tamenglong district but for the whole State, Ibobi appealed to the electorates of Nungba AC to re-elect the Deputy Chief Minister.

People would have been expecting a lot from the Deputy Chief Minister but he has his own limitations as he has to look after the whole State and its myriad issues.

As a Minister, he has to look after all the four corners of the State so as to bring all round development in both the hills and valley.

He also stated that a memorandum submitted to his Ministerial team today by Khoupum Area Village Authority Council, would be studied and all possible measures would be initiated to fulfil the people's aspirations to the maximum possible level.

As proposed every now and then by Home Minister Gaikhangam about development of Khoupum Valley as a tourist destination, the Chief Minister assured that the State Government would look into the proposal positively.

He stated that different parts of Tamenglong district including Khoupum and Nungba would definitely evolve into a major tourist destination after Jiribam-Imphal railway line is completed.

Noney district would have one of the tallest railway bridge in the world and this would attract tourists from all over the world.

Taking serious note of the fact that Tamenglong district has been considered as one of the backward districts of the State in terms of communication and road connectivity, the State Government has started widening and upgrading the road from Bishnupur to Khoupum ( Tongjei Maril) under NEC by investing more than Rs 140 crore.

The Government has also initiated several other road projects like Imphal-Kangchup-Haflong, Noney-Tupul Imphal-Tamenglong etc.

Black topping of Tongjei Maril was expected to be completed by December 2016 but due to bandhs and blockades and monsoon rain, the blacking topping could not be completed in time.

He also assured that Khoupum Dam Irrigation project which is one of the important projects for the people of Khoupum valley for irrigation, water supply and other uses would be taken up soon.

In his presidential speech, Gaikhangam stated that the State Government under the leadership of CM Ibobi have taken up various development works both in the hill and the valley during past 15 years and people have seen enormous changes during the same period.

He also said that SDO/BDO complex which has been inaugurated today by the Chief Minister is one of them and many more would follow.

The State Government has been working relentlessly to bring uniform development across the State.

Lots of infrastructure have been developed in the areas which included 27 TD block offices by spending huge amounts of money.

Due to the geographical terrain of the State, the hill districts are backward in terms of road connectivity and other infrastructure.

Considering this fact, the State Governments has been giving priority to development of better road connectivity in the hill areas.

All the development works taken up in the hills districts are clear testimonies that the Congress Government is committed to bring uniform development in the hills and the valley.

Upgradation of Tongjei Maril Road connecting Khoupum Valley with Imphal will help the people of Khoupum valley and it would go a long way in developing Khoupum Valley as a major tourism destination for Khoupum Valley is gifted with natural beauties.

Peace, co-ordination and strengthening the bond of love shared between hill people and valley people will bring rapid development in the State, stated the Deputy Chief Minister while appealing to all the people to create such a peaceful environment.

Giving his welcome address, Noney/Longmai district DC H Rupachandra stated that the newly inaugurated BDO/SDO office will help the people of Khoupum area a lot by way of implementation of various development schemes.

Revenue Minister Irengbam Hemochandra was also present at the inaugural function.