Imphal, September 11, 2009: Based on the recommendations made during the development seminars held at Bishnupur and Senapati under the sponsorship of DoNER Ministry, an action plan for development has been formulated.

In a bid to promote tourism in the state, the Union Ministry has initiated necessary measures to shift away security camps currently occupying tourist homes.

The Home Ministry is also working to implement the Highway Patrolling Scheme along NH 39. Two successive seminars were held on August 21 and 22 at Bishnupur and Senapati.

At both the seminars, Union Home Secretary GK Pillai, DoNER Secretary Jarnail Singh, Chief Secretary DS Poonia and Planning Commission officials were present.

The action plan formulated by the DoNER Ministry in consultation with the Home Ministry was based on the recommendations made at the two seminars.

The State Government as well as Deputy Commissioners of Bishnupur and Senapati districts have received relevant files and documents of the action plan, conveyed an official source.

After the paralysing impacts caused to tourism by occupation of tourist homes by security forces was pointed out at the seminar, the Home Ministry and the State Home Department have initiated necessary measures to shift away security camps to alternative sites.

The Home Ministry has also started official process to implement the National Highway Patrolling Scheme along NH 39. Under the same initiative, the DoNER Ministry has been entrusted to expedite establishment of a composite check post at Taphou.

The action plan has provisions to enhance the strength of police personnel deployed in Senapati district as well as opening of additional police outposts.

The plan has also a provision to improvise vehicles and communication facilities of the police.

Although the Loktak Lift Irrigation Project was commissioned a long time back, very little benefit could be obtained from the project.

As such, the water of Loktak Lake is being used by the NHPC only for generation hydropower.

Taking these points into account, the plan includes a directive to form a standing committee on how to use the water of Loktak by the surrounding villagers, the State Government and the NHPC.

Presentation of a detail project report by the State Government to the DoNER within a month for completion of Bishnupur district hospital building and completion of the construction work within three months is another provision of the plan.

The plan comprehends opening of a blood bank in Senapati district hospital as well as ambulances.

It instructs the Senapati DC to monitor attendance of doctors posted at the hospital.

Under this action plan, a team of the Agriculture Products and Export Development Agency would be sent to the State to build a cold storage within three months to facilitate export of horticulture produces.

An export packaging unit for exotic fruits would also be opened at Mao.

In banking sector, the plan is targeting installation of four ATMs in Senapati district, one each at Mao, Maram, Lairouching and Kangpokpi within this year.

Bishnupur, Nambol and Moirang would also be having ATMs within three months as per the action plan.

Installation of ATMs would be done by the Department of Banking/RBI/SBI.

The action plan comprehends other areas like NREGS, drinking water, fishery, minor irrigation, NLCPR, power, social welfare, education, telecommunication, sports etc.

The DoNER Ministry would be monitoring implementation of the action plan, added the source.

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