Water transport complexes inaugurated
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 28 2014: Three in-land water transport complexes constructed at different parts of Loktak Lake were inaugurated today .

Speaking at the occasion, Works and Transport Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar said that the newly developed wa-terways would not only bring better connectivity and closer interaction between people residing in and around Loktak Lake but also transform the lake a popular tourist site thereby augmenting the State's revenue.

The inland water transport complexes were construction by Transport Department and Loktak Development Authority with monetary assistance from Inland Waterways Authority of India.

Dr Ratankumar said that the works being executed at present are being funded by the first phase of central assistance.

Preparatory works for the second phase have been completed.

A trial run during the in-land water transport complexes inauguration

Once the waterways are fully developed, movement of people and transportation of goods to different parts of Loktak Lake would be much more convenient, faster and cheaper.

The waterways would also provide source of income to many unemployed youth, said the Transport Minister.

If one should go to Thanga from Mayang Imphal, one must go via Imphal.

Thanga and Mayang Imphal are separated by a short distance and one can reach either side in a very short time if there are proper waterways.

The Minister also appealed to LDA officers to identify route maps of the waterways being developed without unnecessary delay.

He asked individuals/firms desirous of operating boat service in the lake to take prior approval from Transport Department.

Thanga A/C MLA T Mangibabu stated that development of a State or a nation depends very much on its transport infrastructure.

Better the transport and communication infrastructure, faster is the pace of development, he asserted.

Noting that the main source of income for people residing in and around Loktak Lake is fishing, Mangibabu said people can take up many trade and business activities once the waterways are fully developed.

Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam too exuded that the ongoing project would open new employment avenues to many youngsters apart from transforming the lake as a magnificent tourist site which would significantly contribute to the State's revenue.

He exhorted the people to welcome all tourists with open arms rather than treating them with contempt.

Loktak can become a popular tourist destination only when the tourists are satisfied with the service rendered by local people, Govindas stated.

Observing that Singapore is hot tourist destination at the international level, Govindas asserted that Manipur with all its natural beauty, can certainly attract attention of international tourists and globe trotters.

Of the three complexes inaugurated today, inaugural plaques of the Mayang Imphal Sagaisabi Inland Water Transport Complex and the Thanga Haoren Pandon Inland Water Transport Complex were unveiled by Transport Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar while that of Ningthoukhong Toupokpi Inland Water Transport Complex was unveiled by Commerce and Industries Minister K Govindas.

Transport Secretary M Lakshmikumar, Transport Director M Luikham and LDA officers were also present at the function.

The function also featured a trial run of motorboat from Thanga to Ningthoukhong but the journey was hampered by fishing nets and shallowness of the lake at its different parts.