Singda Dam to be made a tourist centre
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, May 20 2013: Along with giving a new model to Singda Dam, it would be converted into a huge tourist spot, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has exclaimed.

He was speaking at the sidelines of foundation stone laying ceremony of the gate of Singda Dam.

The ceremony was also attended by IFC Minister Ngamthang Haokip; PHE Minister I Hemochandra; Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar; DK Korungthang; Ginsuanhau and Deputy Commissioners of Senapati and Imphal West district.

The Chief Minister informed that apart from providing water for drinking and irrigation, the State Government has decided to convert Singda Dam into a tourist spot.

For this purpose, a ring road around the Dam would be constructed.

Fencing all along the area upto a height of around 5 to 6 feet would be erected and security measures would be ensured.

The Chief Minister maintained that the area covering Singda Dam spreads over around 500 acres is a gift of our forefathers.

However, as there are no proper fencing, people from nearby areas have encroached upon and resorted to cutting trees in the catchment area.

This has resulted in loss of water sources and soil erosion thereby decreasing the depth of the dam gradually.

He went on to inform that around 5 lakh trees have been planted along the hill slopes of the catchment area and to prevent people from trespassing, fencing over a distance of around 7 kms would be taken up.

For proper fencing of the area, around 25 houses have to be evacuated and compensation would be given to the affected families, he added.

The Chief Minister also informed that all the construction works being taken up inside the Dam area including the Guest House would be completed during this year.

On the issue of developing some of the Government Hospitals under PPP model, the Chief Minister reiterated that PPP model does not necessarily mean handing over all works to private individuals.

All the encroachers around Hotel Imphal have also been removed and the hotel will also be developed further through PPP model, he added.

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