Imphal, October 07: Foundation stone for a new office building of Horticulture and Soil Conservation Deputy Director was laid by Horticulture Minister Phungzathang Tonsing at Kangpokpi, Sadar Hills today.

Moreover, a temporary office for the Deputy Director was also opened today.

For the office building which would be constructed near mini Secretariat at Kangpokpi, an area of 3.1 acres has been set aside.

The amount required for constructing the building will be included in the budget of the next fiscal.

In the meantime, a temporary office of the Deputy Director was opened after chartering two rooms in the hostel of the Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council.

Speaking at the foundation laying and office opening function, Phungzathang while conceding that there was no major achievement of the Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department, claimed that the Department, nonetheless, has been working to develop horticulture in the interest of the people and the State.

Assuring that the Government would extend all possible assistance to farmers to make Kangpokpi area suitable for horticulture activities, the Minister announced that interested farmers, who were left out from the distribution of power tillers, diesel pumps and rabi crop seeds held recently at 1st MR ground, would be granted subsidy if the farmers want those items.

Stating that plans were afoot to take up 60 water shed projects in Manipur during the 11th plan period, Phungzathang informed that proposals have been placed to take up three water shed projects in Sadar Hills area.

People of the State should feel proud that the Manipur stall won third position in the fourth International Flora Expo held at New Delhi from September 26 to 28.Manipur may be said to be technically competent but there were certain drawbacks and lapses while implementing projects/schemes, the Minister said while calling upon all concerned to work with sincerity.

Talking about dismal power situation in Kangpokpi area, Phungzathang Tonsing who is also in charge of Power portfolio disclosed that there were many complaints of transformers breaking down but when enquired it was found that the transformers got fused due to overloading as a result of a large number of illegal connections.

He further informed that the Government has decided not to provide new transformers in areas covered by broken down transformers until 50 percent of the due bills are cleared.

Taking part in the function, Hill Areas Committee Chairman Thangminlen Kipgen appealed to the Power Minister to take up a micro hydel project in Sadar Hills area and to avail benefits of science and technology.

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