Newmai News Network Imphal | July 29 Manipur Information and Public Relations Minister Thongam Biswajit today told the assembly session that a site for the construction of a Press Park has been identified at Langjing Achouba in Imphal West district. The Minister observed that the Press Park is an innovative idea with the main objective to provide a common location for all media houses in the State. He said that a 3 acre land has been identified for the park. Minister Biswajit also informed the House that in 2007, under the Manipur State Journalists Welfare Scheme, journalists (retired) and families of journalists were provided Rs. 2000 and Rs. 1000 from Rs. 1000 and Rs. 500 respectively, which was eventually increased to Rs. 4000 and Rs. 2000 respectively since 2014. At the moment, he added, the government is considering enhancement of the amount to Rs. 6000 and Rs. 3000 respectively. There is also a provision to increase the amount from time to time, he added. Clarifying Demand No. 21, Biswajit who also holds the Commerce and Industries portfolio said that survey of sites for oil and gas exploration has been completed in two blocks, while sites at three other blocks have been identified. The Minister continued there is some delay in exploration works, as transportation of mining machineries require 4.65 meter width road and there are no bridge which can bear the machineries which weigh 56 to 59 tonnes. However after the rainy season, new alternative routes will be identified, he added. He also said the present government is targeting to generate 1.5 lakh employment through the different departments in a year so that 7.5 lakh jobs are generated during 5 years. Summing up the discussion on Demand No. 19 Forest and Environment, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said although Dak Chittas are not legal papers, any encroacher who holds Dak Chittas of a particular plot for more than 30 years can claim ownership of the plot and file a case with the court seeking ownership. And once the court accepts the case, the land becomes subjudiced and the government cannot evict the encroachers, he added. Forest and Environment Minister Shyamkumar clarified that due to shortage of staff in the department, prevention of deforestation cannot be launched extensively. The Reserved Forest Area is being encroached by individuals holding Dak Chitas and Pattas. The Minister further stated that as compared to the last decade, the population of Sangai has increased considerably to 260 due to the initiative of the government. The Minister also said that 167 wetlands have been identified in the State to be preserved. He said during the period from April 1, 2017 till date, his department has collected a total tax of Rs. 6 crore 31 lakhs.