JICA officials met Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho to discuss a watershed development project across all districts.
IMPHAL — A delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) called on Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho at his office in the Civil Secretariat, Mantripukhri, Imphal, on Monday.
The delegation, comprising senior representatives Eiji Wakamatsu, Nishihara Ryosuke and Nishtha Vengurlekar, briefed the deputy chief minister on the proposed Externally Aided (JICA) Project titled “Enhancing Livelihoods through Community-Based Watershed Development in Manipur”, which is currently under formulation and will be funded by JICA.
During the meeting, Wakamatsu outlined the objectives of the project, noting that similar initiatives have already been implemented in Nagaland, Tripura and Meghalaya, while a project in Mizoram is presently under appraisal.
He also highlighted the long-standing ties between Japan and Manipur, expressing Japan's willingness to share its experiences with the state and emphasising the importance of mutual partnership for common benefits. Wakamatsu sought the state government's support and cooperation for the successful implementation of the proposed project.
In his remarks, Deputy Chief Minister Dikho acknowledged the vision, objectives and potential benefits of the project, which is planned to cover all districts of the state. He noted that many youths from Manipur are currently employed or undergoing training in Japan.
Highlighting the cordial relations between Japan and Manipur, Dikho assured the delegation of the state government's full support and necessary assistance for the implementation of the proposed initiative.
Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai, who is also the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Principal Secretary (Forest, Environment and Climate Change/Works) Arun Kumar Sinha, and other senior officials of the Forest department, attended the meeting.