Much-hyped Kangla project silenced
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 14 2024: The Light and Sound Show, a multi-crore project funded by the ministry of tourism aimed at drawing visitors to the historic Kangla Fort, has literally lost sight in the past 6 years.

Developed in the moat near the Brindaban temple inside Kangla Fort under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme - a flagship programme of the Ministry of Tourism - the project included numerous development works including renovation of Kangla Fort and Khongjom, along with the Light and Sound Show set-up.

The Ministry had sanctioned Rs 70.30 crore for the project works, including the Light and Sound Show, renovating the fort's inner and outer walls, constructing a rock garden, refurbishing existing ponds, and building a utility block and audio guide system.

The infrastructure development was handled by Tricolor India Schauspiel Private Limited, a private firm based in Gurugram.

The Light and Sound Show's curtain raiser took place on August 13, 2018 .

The show was designed to depict significant events in Manipur's history, including the Anglo-Manipuri War, featuring dramatic elements such as war cries, gunfire, and the sounds of battle.

Although all preparations for its public debut were completed and media announcements indicated an imminent launch, the public never had the chance to enjoy the show.

On December 15, 2018, chief minister N Biren Singh had tweeted that the Light and Sound Show would be showcased to the public soon.

Despite this, only those who attended the initial preview had the opportunity to experience it.

Currently, all the equipment, including water fountains and speakers, used for the show is longing for maintenance.

It is troubling that such a significant project, which generated considerable public anticipation and involved substantial central government funding, has not been properly implemented.

If managed effectively, the project could have generated significant revenue for the state government.

It may be mentioned that the project was inaugurated by the then Governor Najma Heptulla on August 14, 2018 .

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