Imphal, December 14: Governor Dr SS Sidhu has laid the foundation stone of an eco-tourism park to be set up newly at Tharoishibi Lok of Nongmaiching along Porompat-Nongmaiching Road.

Speaking as chief guest of the function, Dr Sidhu said laying the foundation stone of the eco-torism park is the first step towards the frutification of a long-standing desire of the people of the State.

Stating that environmental awareness is an area that needs constant attention of the Government, private sectors, NGOs and concerned citizens, Dr Sidhu noted that there is a need to continually involve the students as well as professionals in creative efforts that would give them proper understanding and fashioning of developmental programmes, keeping in view the ecological concerns.

School children in particular, would need to be, made aware of both the natural and cultural heritage as this would create a degree of attachment as well as concern, he said, adding this would be the greatest guarantee for the conservation and upkeep of our environment.

Talking about the proposed park, Dr Sidhu said after a concept paper was developed for the park, a detailed project report (DPR) was prepared in record time by the ITDC.

But due to certain constraints, the DPR has been broken into phases.

The foundation stone has been laid for the Ist phase to be implemented at a cost of Rs 345.29 lakhs and it would provide infrastructure for water bodies, botanical-cum-herbal garden, kiosks and shops, cycle track, public conveniences, parking area, approach area, etc.

In the second phase, apiary, aviary, glass house, children park, geographic park, sky park, open air performing art, amphitheatre, jungle trail/jungle thrills, etc will be provided.

Subsequently, an 18-hole golf course and a craft market, food court would be added.

Even though sanction for the first phase have been issued by the Government of India, a lot more has to be done by the State Government, he said, while pointing out the required forest land has to be transferred including the acquisition of contiguous area as construction can be done in non-forest area.

The transfer needs to be effected on urgent basis along with construction of proper approach road, he pointed out.

Speaking as president of the function, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh observed that the tourism potential of the State has not yet been exploited due to various reasons like law and order situation and exiting Restricted Area Permit and Pocketed Area Permit.

Centre had already been urged for removing both the restriction, he added.

While pointing out improvement in power supply, safe drinking water supply and road and telecommunication are also essential for development of tourism, the Chief Minister informed that Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, Heavy Industries Minister Santosh Kumar Mohan Dev, Labour and Employment Minister Oscar Fernandes and Minister of State PMO Prithiviraj Chauhan would be coming to Manipur on December 15 to lay the foundation stones of Loktak Downstream project and Tipaimukh Multipurpose Project.

Although no one has opposed to construction of Loktak Downstream, a hue and cry has been raised unnecessarily over Tipaimukh dam, the Chief Minister said, while asserting that the efforts being made by the Governments bot at the Centre and the State is not to cause suffering to the people.

The total estimated cost of setting up the Eco-Tourism Park over and area of 200 acres of land is said to be Rs 57 crores and the take would be implemented by India Tourism Development Corporation.

Tourism and IPR Minister TN Haokip was also present during the function as guest of honour.

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