DC pushes for facelift of Karang Island
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIO

Bishnupur, August 01 2025: In a significant step towards holistic development of Karang Island as a Digital Island, Bishnupur deputy commissioner Pooja Elangbam, convened a meeting on Friday at the Mini Secretariat Complex conference hall to form the Digital Island Development Committee, Bishnupur.

The meeting centred on the vision of transforming Karang Island, situated at the heart of Loktak Lake, into a Model Digital Island and a sustainable eco-tourism destination.

Discussions focused on developing essential infrastructure for the island and ensuring integrated development across sectors.

In her address, Pooja Elangbam emphasised the unique opportunity Karang presents due to its strategic location and natural beauty.

DC pushes for facelift of Karang Island

She highlighted the need for a convergent and community-driven approach to development, encompassing digital infrastructure and affordable connectivity; health, education, and digital skill development; roads, transport, and communication; sustainable farming, fisheries, and allied sectors; digital financial services; tourism and hospitality services; and water, electricity, and waste management, among others.

The DC underlined that the vision for prioritising community empowerment, ensuring that no one is left behind.

She stated that the initiative is citizen-driven, aimed at bringing about real transformation at the grassroots level.

She also invited suggestions and concerns from various stakeholders to identify challenges and explore viable solutions.

Noting Karang's potential for tourism, she proposed eco-friendly beautification measures, such as watchtowers, benches, and landscape enhancements, while retaining the island's natural appeal.

Pooja reiterated the initiative's four pillars: bridging the digital divide through improved connectivity; enhancing digital literacy and education; promoting local livelihoods and socio-economic upliftment; and delivering citizen-centric digital services.

The meeting was also attended by Bishnupur ADM T Opendro, SDO/BDO, district-level officials, and representatives from various civil society organisations of Karang Island.

Representatives from Karang's local bodies expressed their gratitude to the deputy commissioner for her visionary leadership and assured full community support for the island's holistic arid sustainable development.