High benchmark set for Anganching Eco Park
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 02 2014 : Anganching Eco Park located at Kakching is all set to be developed as an exquisite recreational park.

Already the park located on a hill range to the South West of Kakching town has earned its name as an attractive tourist site.

The park was first developed in 2002 by Anions for Development Alternative Manipur (ADAM) .

ADAM president Nongmaithem Rajmuhon and secretary Suijit Kshetrimayum said that works are on to develop the park as a tourist centre of international standard by setting up five specific objectives.

A consultative meeting on the topic 'Anganching Eco Park: Problems and Pros-pects' was held today at the park.Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Rajmuhon said that the park is being developed with five specific objectives of promoting eco-tourism, culture, establishment of observatory centre and cultural centre, revival of lord Mahadev sacred site and providing a nature friendly atmosphere for hosting different kinds of public events.

Saying many species of trees and plants closely associated with the history and culture of Manipur are on the verge of extinction, Rajmuhon stressed upon the importance of planting those species of plants and trees in some portion of the park so as to conserve them for future generations.

Already 177 different rare species of tree and plants including medicinal plants have been planted in the park which is spread over 105 acres.

From atop Anganching hill, one can enjoy a panoramic view of entire Manipur except for some far off hill areas.

There is a plan to install an observatory atop the hill for the benefit of students and general public.

AH the lakes of Manipur and the whole Manipur valley are visible from the hill top.

As installation of an observatory would cost a huge amount, binoculars would be procured for the time being.

Anganching occupies a prominent in the legend of Khamba-Thoibi.

On her way to Kabow, Thoibi put up a night at Anganching (light or bright hill) and when she woke up, she found that the sun was rising and thus the hill got its name.

Rajmuhon informed that they have plans to develop the park as a cultural complex.

The area is becoming more and more prominent because of India's Look East Policy, Trans-Asian highway and other modernisation projects.

There are also plans to develop the area as religious site apart from constructing a Buddhist temple, Rajmuhon added.

ADAM secretary Surjit invited applications from individuals and organisations for the 5th biennial ADAM Environment Award.

The award carries cash prize of Rs 10,000, a citation and a shawl.

Individuals and groups working in the field of environment for not less than three may apply for the award on or before April 10 .

ADAM may be contacted on [email protected] or [email protected].

ADAM Environment Award was presented to AMWJU in 2010.Other recipients of the award are environmentalist Dr Kh Shamungou, Wangkhem Mangi of Heingang and the Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Association.

Saying that almost all the State level functions and events are held at Imphal, Suijit proposed that venues for such events should be changed to different places of the State every year.

Talking about the consultative meeting held today, Suijit said that meeting resolved to construct approach roads to Anganching from three different directions.

For this, a committee has been constituted.

Kakching AC MLA Y Surchandra has promised Rs 50,000 for construction of the approach roads, Surjit conveyed.

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