Union Minister visits Loktak Lake, CCpur
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, August 11 2024: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya visited Loktak Lake and Churachandpur today.

He is on a two day visit to Manipur.

Mansukh Mandaviya first visited Loktak Lake, focusing on the Loktak Lake Front Garden and temporary jetty.

The Minister received a warm welcome from a large group of young athletes specializing in rowing, canoeing, and kayaking at the Regional Water Sports Complex, Takmu.

He was also greeted by a State Government delegation led by Works Minister K Govindas, PHED Minister L Susindro Meitei, Moirang AC MLA L Shanti Singh and Chairman of the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) M Asnikumar Singh.

Union Minister visits Loktak Lake, CCpur

During a formal ceremony, the Union Minister was presented with a painting, traditional handicrafts, and a traditional headgear by L Susindro Meitei, L Shanti Singh, and Asnikumar Singh.

The Union Minister later held talks with athletes from the Regional Water Sports Complex, who expressed their concerns about the lack of adequate equipment and facilities at the complex.

M Asnikumar Singh also submitted a memorandum highlighting these issues to the visiting Union Minister.

Asnikumar, president of the Bishnupur District Canoeing & Kayaking Association, requested the Union Minister to sponsor a National championship for canoeing, kayaking, and rowing at the Regional Water Sports Complex, Loktak Lake, within this year.

It is said that the Union Minister responded positively to the request.

In his response, Mandaviya assured the State delegation that the existing facilities would be upgraded, either under the SAI's Center of Excellence in Water Sports or by developing the complex as a campus of the National Sports University, Imphal, recognizing its ideal location and existing infrastructure for water sports.

He also emphasized that harnessing the talents of the youth is a top priority for the Modi Government and expressed his eagerness to see the young people from the State excel in water sports in the future.

The Union Minister also held discussions with the Ministers, MLA, and Chairman of LDA.

After the talks, Mandaviya took a boat ride on Loktak Lake with the State Government representatives.

Mandaviya, while highlighting the importance of preserving Loktak, pledged full support in rejuvenating and conserving Loktak Lake and also to secure the livelihoods of those who depend on the lake.

Before concluding his visit, the Union Minister expressed his desire to return to the State in the coming months and visit Keibul Lamjao National Park, Karang Island, INA Headquarters at Moirang, and spend more time engaging with local communities and witnessing the cultural heritage associated with Loktak Lake and Moirang.

Churachandpur

Mandaviya also visited Churachandpur today and interacted with District Level Officers (DLOs) at DC's Conference Hall, Mini-Secretariat, at Tuibong.

Churachandpur DC Dharun Kumar and Additional DC Thangboi Gangte briefed the Union Minister on the activities and achievements of various departments in the district pertaining to implementation of various schemes and enforcement of law and order.

Mandaviya suggested inputs to ensure more effective implementations of schemes in the district.

Later, the Union Minister distributed sports materials to internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing in various relief camps.

Dr Mandaviya also held an interaction with the representatives of various students' bodies of the district.

He also planted a tree inside the Mini-Secretariat campus as part of Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyan before his departure.