Tamenglong moving towards development: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, December 19 2022:
Chief minister N Biren Singh on Monday inaugurated a slew of developmental projects in Tamenglong district, while attending the closing function of the 17th State Level Tamenglong Orange Festival at Apollo Ground, Tamenglong district headquarters.
The festival held at different venues in the district began on December 17 .
The projects are Development and Promotion of Eco-tourism Centres at Zeilad Lake and Tharon Cave in Tamenglong district under Hill Area Development Programme (HADP); establishment of Cold Storage Chain at Tamenglong town under HADP; construction of Water Supply Scheme at Tamah, Tamei under HADP; and Indoor Stadium cum Multipurpose Hall at Tamenglong town.
Speaking as the chief guest of the closing function, the chief minister elaborated the reason behind organising of the festival and increasing prize money for orange growers' competition.
The state government wants to make Tamenglong an orange producing district because the orange variety grown in the district is suitable with the soil of the district, he said highlighting the unique taste of the orange.
The increased prize money will encourage locals to take up orange farming and make themselves economically self-reliant, which will eventually improve the local economy, he added.
N Biren also spoke on the need for tissue culture for the Tamenglong oranges to ensure that the local orange doesn't get mixed with other varieties and that it doesn't lose its taste or uniqueness.
Highlighting that the state has started exporting products like black rice, pineapple among other items, he said that oranges can also be exported if we have surplus production.
The cold storages inaugurated on Monday will help farmers in storing their products, the chief minister said, assuring that the government is always there for the people.
He also stressed that Tamenglong is moving towards development, citing various developmental projects like eco-tourism centres at Thanlon Caves and Zeilad Lake, among others.
In today's modern world, tourism is the best option for places like Manipur and Tamenglong to improve the economy, Biren continued as he further emphasised the need to develop and promote the tourist spots in the state.
Reiterating his earlier assurance to the people of the district, the chief minister said that the government is making Tamenglong one of the most developed districts of the state and further highlighted development works undertaken including the construction of a water supply, ongoing work for Amusement Park near Barak River.
He said, "We have also submitted a proposal to the centre for development of a tourist centre at Bunning".
The chief minister also appealed to the people against creating disturbances to developmental projects.
Stressing on the importance of communication, the chief minister spoke on the works taken up on the Khongsang road to Tamenglong, Imphal-Kangchup-Tamenglong road and construction of another helipad at Tamenglong.
Stating that the government had lost at least two and a half years in the last term to the Covid pandemic and another 5-6 months to the rains in the present term, Biren said that the government has just around 3 years of working season.
He continued that with the support and cooperation of the public, the government is able to bring development to the state.
N Biren Singh also encouraged the youth to take up Thang-Ta, stating that it teaches discipline and will keep them healthy.
The closing function was also attended by ministers Awangbow Newmai, Dr Sapam Ranjan, L Susindro Meitei, Khashim Vashum, Hill Areas Committee chairman Dinganglung Gangmei, Manipur Development Society chairperson Paonam Brojen, Tamenglong AC MLA Janghemlung Panmei, Singhat AC MLA Chinhinthang, Karong AC MLA J Kumo Sha, Phungyar AC MLA K Leishiyo, principal chief conservator of forests Dr A K Joshi, deputy commissioner (Noney) Joseph Pauline and deputy commissioner (Tamenglong) Pawan Yadav.
The chief minister along with the other dignitaries also inspected the stalls opened at the festival venue.
During the programme, a 500-strong team of the RBCC Women choir group also presented a song.
Other highlights included the beating of the traditional gong 17 times by the dignitaries led by the chief minister to commemorate the 17th edition of the festival, playing of the festival song, various performances by traditional dance groups and Thang-Ta performances.
Altogether 270 orange farmers participated in the festival with each bringing a minimum 1000 oranges for the festival.
Gainiliu of Sibilong village (Tousem sub-division) was adjudged as the winner of the orange competition, Tanimliu Kamei of Sibilong village secured the second position and Gaikhammei of Changdai village (Tamenglong) claimed the third place.
The winner took home a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, the second finisher received Rs 1 lakh and the third-place finisher got Rs 75,000 .
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