Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 02 2010:
Shilheipung-Eco-Tourism Park developed and run by Creations Society for Handicraft and Goodwill at Leimakhongmapal of Imphal East district has been opened for public yesterday.
Tourism Minister TN Haokip, Secretary to Governor Dr RK Nimai, Tourism Commissioner KK Chhetry and local elder Ng Ibotombi graced the inaugural function as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.
Speaking in the function, TN Haokip cautioned that if Manipuris have to survive longer, they have to take up steps on ecological conservation and promote eco-tourism.
Maintaining that due to constant deforestation, the State is now facing water scarcity during dry season.
So people especially in hill areas must stop deforestation for jhum cultivation, he added.
At this juncture, the Minister added, it is very encouraging to set up such ecological parks at the outskirts of the capital.
Saying that Bali in Indonesia is known as the No 1 tourist destination in the world because of the hospitality of its people, TN Haokip exhorted the people of the State to culture the same in order to promote the State as a tourism destination.
Commissioner KK Chhetri while speaking in the function said that after culture and sports, tourism is another avenue where the State can earn name and money.
Saying that Manipur is no less in natural beauty comparing to other famous tourism destinations, he exhorted the gathering to make the State its own name in the world tourism map.
The park, developed in a seven-acre land at the foothills of Pidonu Hills of Leimakhongmapal, around 5 kms from Lamlai Bazar, nurtures around 20 indigenous plants including bokul, manahi, tairen, chingthrao and all.
The park dotted with administrative building, cafeteria and crafts museum built in indigenous Manipuri style has exotic varieties like Tikoma, Lenende and Actura plants as well.
According to the management committee, Rs 10 for adults and Rs 5 for children would be charged from visitors.