Govt all set to restore Lamphelpat, Waithoupat
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, February 05 2023: Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Sunday inaugurated a Multipurpose Rural Development Centre Hall and a new building of Heingang Kontha Makha Leikai Model Club, in a function held at Kangjeibung Lampak, Heingang Makha Leikai, Imphal East.

Presided over by Heingang Kontha Makha Leikai Model Club president Irom Ibotombi Singh, the inaugural programme was attended by Imphal East deputy commissioner Khumanthem Diana Devi, social worker Nongthombam Hiyainu, BJP National OBC Morcha member Sanoujam Liben, Social Welfare director Ngangom Uttam and other government officials Speaking on the occasion, chief minister Biren lamented'that Manipur had witnessed certain hindrances and enmity among different communities due to narrow-outlook and vested interest in the last many years.

Leaving behind that mindset, now is time for us to stand together for the development of the state, he said.

The CM then cited a survey conducted by the Surveyor of India over 5 decades ago stating that Manipur had around 550 wetlands, most of which now have disappeared.

The disappearance of the wetlands has affected the ecology of the state, in addition to the impact of deforestation, which, in turn, has led to looming water scarcity in the state.

As such, the government has taken up steps to save the wetlands.

The steps include digging up Lamphelpat and Waithoupat under a central project, to restore these two wetlands into their original state.

Efforts are underway to sanction Rs 340 crore for digging up Lamphelpat at the earliest, for which the required machineries have already arrived.

The same will be initiated for Waithoupat soon.

Efforts are also on for saving Usoipokpi Pat, he informed, while urging against construction of community halls by filling up local ponds or wetlands.

Lauding the Ekta Bharat movement initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Biren said that India has become one of the superpowers of the world.

He also mentioned the recently tabled Union Budget 2024, stating that the same had been prepared with a long-term vision, which would take the country to the top among the superpowers of the world in the next 25 years.

The CM continued that politics should be done with the objectives of ensuring public welfare and bringing development, and the state government has taken up certain development works including setting up of Manipur Southern Cultural Centre at Behiang, Heritage Park at Makhel, 34 police stations along the state's boundary and installing statues of our great forefathers at different locations among others.

He further stated that the age old relationship between hill and valley people has been reinstated by bringing inclusive development.

Pointing out that there are many more things to do for the state's development, Biren maintained that the state government has been putting in every effort to improve the living standard and quality of life of its people under the guidance of the Prime Minister.

Biren also stressed the need for people of different communities residing in the state to set aside all the differences and join hands for bringing development, mentioning that the communities had been living together since time immemorial.

He urged for appreciating one another and understanding the consequences that Manipur would face if we fight amongst ourselves even over the most trivial of issues.

While expressing that the people have been living with a sense of honour and dignity from the time of our forefathers, Biren said we must try to continue to live with this attribute now and in the future.

The government is also moving forward with the same principle, he said, adding all the indigenous communities in the state should have the mindset of living in harmony with each other.

Speaking on the ill-effects of drugs and its addiction in the society, the CM remarked that the drug menace is a huge threat to the existence of Manipur itself.

As such, the government launched the 'War on Drugs' mission to save the people, especially the youngsters who are the future of the society.

Thus, he sought support from Meira Paibi associations, particularly the women organisations for taking a more proactive role in this regard.

Biren then appealed to the public not to conceal their family members who are drug addicts, rather take them to rehabilitation centres for corrective measures, while informing that the government had also set up a rehabilitation centre at Sunusiphai in Bishnupur District.

He also stressed the urgency of saving our youth from drug menace as the population of the state is small.

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