World class tourism projects taken up, many on card
Source: Chronicle News Service / Oinam Mission

Imphal, June 22 2022: Keeping in view of the tourism potential of the state, the BJP government is taking up several initiatives to develop the tourism sector which include improvement of tourism infrastructure and development of world class tourist destination, while many such projects are also on the card.

According to a source, project for redevelopment of four pilgrimage sites under Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme of the ministry of tourism is in the pipeline.

These pilgrimage sites include Hiyangthang Lairembi, Vishnu Temple of Bishnupur, Sanamahi Temple of Wangoi and Heibokching Mahadeva.

An official team of the ministry has completed spot enquiry process for the project.

On the other hand, development of Kangkhui Cave in Ukhrul district has begun at a project cost of Rs 7.8 crore under Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resource (NLCPR) scheme.

Yangkhulen village in Senapati district is also being developed as a heritage village with a total cost of Rs 3.6 crore with support from North Eastern Council (NEC) and the project is being targeted for completion by August this year.

A guesthouse for tribal chiefs is also under construction at Palace Compound with an estimated cost of Rs 7.8 crore while as eco park is at the development stage at a project cost of Rs 3.5 crore at Koide village in Senapati district.

At the same time, an eco-tourism complex is being developed at a cost of Rs 3 crore under the state plan fund.

Construction of a Manipuri pony statue at a cost of Rs 32.52 crore under the state plan fund is nearing completion at Heingang Marjing Chingthak.

The project has a component of ropeway from the foothill to the top of the hill.

Road widening from the point of NH 39 to Ibudhou Marjing Ching is in progress under North East Special Infrastructure Development (NESID) scheme of the DoNER ministry at a project cost of Rs 29.1 crore.

A water amusement park is under construction at Awang Potsangbam with a project cost of Rs 40 crore and a toy train will be added in the park at a cost of Rs 6 crore.

The government is planning to complete the project by the end Of July this year.

Development of one eco-tourism park in each of the 60 assembly constituencies was also announced by the government under the state plan fund at a cost of Rs 50 lakh each and many Of these projects are reportedly nearing completion.

The biggest tourism project is being planned in and around Loktak Lake at an estimated cost of Rs 2000 crore for converting the main tourist attraction of the state into a world class tourist destination without affecting the ecology and natural beauty of the lake.

The government is seeking fund from Asian Development Bank for the project, which will include eco-tourism resorts, 18-hole golf course, ethnic mart for display and sale of indigenous products of different indigenous communities of the state, tourist village, water fly garden, orchid garden, water adventure sports complex at Takmu, watch tower at Thinungei, rope-way between Sendra-Thanga and Thanga-Karang among others.

Meanwhile, there are several potential tourist spots in the state which can easily attract large number of tourists in the state.

The rich culture and tradition of the different indigenous communities are also an added bonus to give different tastes to the visitors.

These potentials, which could boost the economy of the state to a great extent, are the reason behind government's initiative to develop tourism infrastructure in the state.

Comment