MoS Gopi chairs review meeting, notes Loktak's potential
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIO

Bishnupur, August 08 2025: Union minister of state for petroleum and natural gas and tourism, Suresh Gopi, on Friday visited Bishnupur district and chaired a meeting to review the overall functioning of various line departments and assess the implementation of key government schemes.

The review meeting, held at the Mini Secretariat Complex, was attended by Bishnupur deputy commissioner Pooja Elangbam, SP, ADM, SDOs, BDOs, and other district-level officers.

Deputy commissioner Pooja Elangbam presented a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation on the district's tourism potential, highlighting major attractions such as Khoriphaba Temple, Loukoi Pat, Red Hill & India Peace Memorial, Maibam Lokpa Ching, Nambol, Vishnu Temple, Shri Gopinath Temple, INA War Museum, INA Memorial Complex, Loktak Lake, and the Sangai Ethnic Park.

MoS Gopi chairs review meeting, notes Loktak's potential

A recent project for developing Karang as a Model Digital Island was also presented as a major initiative in the district.

In response to the presentation, Suresh Gopi emphasised the importance of further developing Loktak Lake, the pride of the state, into a world class destination, stating that such efforts could significantly boost revenue generation.

Departments including Health, Education, Agriculture, Power, Minor Irrigation, and others showcased their departmental profiles and activities through detailed presentations.

The minister provided constructive feedback to each department, focusing on innovation strategies aligned with the Prime Minister's vision for the Northeast.

In his remarks, Suresh Gopi reiterated the Prime Minister's dream of a transformed Northeast and stressed that a new and improved Manipur could emerge if people embrace innovative ideas across different sectors.

Focusing on the tourism sector, he acknowledged its immense potential and underlined the need for integrated development to drive economic growth.

In the health sector, the MoS highlighted critical focus areas such as infant mortality, sickle cell anaemia, and malaria, urging the department to intensify efforts in these domains.

Regarding education, he emphasised the importance of conducting special training programmes for capacity building of teachers to improve the quality of government schools and boost enrolment.

He also engaged in a detailed discussion on the roles and honorarium of cook-cum-helpers.

In the agricultural sector, the MoS enquired about the fertiliser distribution system and farmer feedback, suggesting an increase in millet production in line with the Prime Minister's nutrition-focused initiatives.

The union minister also reviewed the Open Defecation Free (ODF) initiative led by the PHE Department and reiterated the importance of prioritising health, food, and education, which he said were the backbone of any progressive society.

He assured all possible support from his end for the development of the district.

Following the review meeting, Suresh Gopi, accompanied by the DC, ADM, and officials concerned, visited District Hospital Bishnupur, where he interacted with patients and conducted a thorough inspection of the facility, guided by the medical superintendent.

He later paid floral tributes to fallen soldiers of the Indo-Japanese forces at the Indian Peace Memorial, Maibam Lokpa Ching, and also visited the Imphal Peace Museum.