Governor of Manipur, Dr. Najma A. Heptulla inaugurates the project ‘Development of North East Circuit: Imphal & Khongjom’ at Imphal, Manipur on August 14.
Imphal, August 14 (NNN): The Governor of Manipur, Dr. Najma A. Heptulla inaugurated the project ‘Development of North East Circuit: Imphal & Khongjom’ implemented under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India at a function held at the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal, Manipur on August 14.
The project is the first project to be completed under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Government of India. The Project was inaugurated in the presence of N Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, K.J. Alphons, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism, State Ministers of Manipur and Rashmi Verma, Union Tourism Secretary.
The project which covers two sites - Kangla Fort in Imphal and Khongjom was taken up at an estimated cost of Rs. 72,22,82607 under the Union Ministry of Tourism.
Manipur: ‘God’s own paradise’
Speaking at the occasion, Heptulla said that she had written to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to include Imphal in the list of iconic cities of the country and requested the Union Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge) K.J. Alphons, who was also present at the function, to convince the PM regarding the matter.
Stating that Manipur has a rich cultural heritage and bountiful scenic beauty, she called Manipur as the ‘God’s own paradise’.
She observed that there could be no other city in the country having so much of historical and cultural importance and many sporting talents. Expressing concern over omitting Maharaja Kullachandra’s name in the records of Kalapani Cellular Jail, she urged the authority concerned of the Central Government to look into the matter.
In the World War-II, two fiercest and significant battles were fought - one in the Western Front i.e. in France where Hitler was defeated and another in the Eastern Front i.e. in Imphal/Kohima, she said. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA) hoisted its flag for the first time on the Indian soil at Moirang during World War-II, she added.
She said that dancing deer Sangai is found only in the Keibul Lamjao National Park which is floating on the largest freshwater lake of the North East region, Loktak Lake.
Apart from it, Manipur is the birthplace of modern polo and Nat Sankirtana had been included in the UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, she said while adding that Ima Market, which has around 4000 women vendors, is the largest women’s market in the world.
In terms of connectivity, Heptulla said that several airline companies had introduced direct flights between Imphal and New Delhi.
The Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh in his remarks proposed 3 more projects for development and strengthening of eco, ethnic and sports tourism at Loktak Lake, Mapithel Dam and Shadu Chiru. He also expressed his happiness on the progress of Kangkhui cave tourism project.
A message from the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi was also read out by the Union Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism K.J. Alphons.
Speaking at the occasion, K.J. Alphons said that the North East has been neglected for a pretty long time. However, the North East States and particularly Manipur is finally taking off towards development with the coming of new Governments at the Centre and the State.
The Minister said that the Centre is ever ready to sanction funds for good projects. He expressed hope that the newly inaugurated project would attract huge number of visitors to the State generating lots of revenue and income.
