Imphal, October 03: As in other parts of the world, the World Habitat Day was observed in the State today with the main function organised under the aegis of MAHUD at the banquet hall of Ist Manipuri Rifles.

The United Nations has designated the first Monday of October every year as World Habitat Day since 1985, dedicating to helping people build adequate shelter for themselves and their families.

The theme for the this year's observance is �Millennium Development Goals and the City'.

The Millennium Development Goals are a set of eight ambitious targets for reducing the impact of poverty, illiteracy, hunger, unsafe water, disease and urban and environmental degradation, agreed upon the UN's Millennium Summit in 200.The targets include improving the living conditions of at least 100 million slum dwellers by 2020 and halving the amount of people who lack access to safe drinking water.

Chief Town Planner, Town Planning Department H Dilipkumar, Chairperson of Imphal Municipal Council G Moirangjao Kabui and Chief Engineer of PDA L Lokendra graced the occasion as president, chief guest and guest of honour respectively.

In his address, G Moirangjao said that the event reminds us of the importance of adequate and proper shelter for the people.

The theme of the observance this year is also very relevant in view of the over-crowding in the cities.

L Lokendro stressed on the need for maintenance and management of proper dwelling places for the people living in the cities.

In his presidential address, H Dilipkumar informed that although there is no slum in Manipur, the Government of India would be including Imphal in taking the Urban Renewable Mission in 60 selected cities of the country.

He also read out the text of the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's message on World Habitat Day at the occasion.

Assistant Town Planner N Gitikumar gave the welcome address of the function.

A painting competition in water colour medium for students of class VI to VIII was also to mark the occasion on the theme of the observance.

In all 9 girl students and 33 boy students took part in the competition.

Thiyam Debajit of Oriental Art Guide Centre won the first prize which carried a cash award of Rs 1500 and a certificate.

Rahul Yumlembam of Brighter Academy, New Checkon secured the second position and was won Rs 1000 in cash along with a certificate as prize and Karam Luther of maria Montessori won the third prize consisting of a cash prize of Rs 700 and a certificate.

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