Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 29 2009:
Special Consultant North East-charge of Union Planning Commission Firoza Mehratra who arrived here today on a three-day visit at the head of a five-member Central Inter-Ministerial team has categorically stated that it would be a shame if Manipur could not utilise its own potential in tourism and culture for development.
Soon after their arrival at Tulihal Airport where Additional Chief Secretary (Home) DS Poonia welcomed them, the Central Inter-Ministerial team proceeded to inspect the progress of the developmental works being taken up for Capital Project at Chingmeirong, Kangla, MiniSecretariat of Imphal East at Porompat and Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences.
Officials of the State Government accompanied the Central team during the inspection.
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Talking to mediapersons on the sideline of the inspection at Kangla, Firoza informed that the main purpose of the visit of the multi-sectoral team is to take a first hand account of what the State Government has been doing and how the Planning Commission as well as the Ministry can help in this connection.
She said that Manipur has tremendous potential for becoming a cultural destination and an important tourist spot which would ultimately help in the economy of the State.
The Central Government is also ready to extend necessary financial assistance in this regard.
So it would be a shame to lose these opportunities, she opined.
Another member of the team informed that the Home Ministry has already considered relaxation of Protected Area Permit to some extent.
During the inspection at Capital Project, officials of the Works Department apprised the visiting team that construction of the High Court as part of the Capital Project would be completed by December this year and the Assembly by end of next year.
On the second day of the visit tomorrow, the team will inspect the progress of the IFAD funded projects at Twichmphai and T Thangken at Sapermeina and Mini Secretariat and Sadar Hills Sports Complex at Kangpokpi.
A joint meeting with the officials of the State Government would also be held after the inspection later during the day.
On the last day of the three-day long visit on July 1, the team will inspect Loktak Lake Conservation Project and Takmu Water Sports complex at Moirang.
After the inspection tour, the team will meet the Chief Minister before departing for Delhi.