Our correspondent
Imphal, Feb. 25 (EMN): Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday informed the state assembly that to implement Manipur Tourism Policy steps are being taken up for promotion and development of tourism.
Replying to a starred question by opposition Congress member Okram Henry Singh on the fourth day of the ongoing 7th session of the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly, the chief minister said in order to promote tourism, various steps such as local festivals, showcasing state’s products at domestic and international events are taken up.
Singh said projects funded by Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of DoNER and NEC through state plan are under process.
To encourage visitors steps towards improving connectivity are also being taken up. Helicopter services are also introduced besides increasing the flight frequency and road connectivity to interior tourist spots and destinations are considerably improved, he said.
Expressing contentment over the increasing number of domestic and international tourists in the state during the past few years, he said to increase awareness of the tourist destinations and to develop the required infrastructures, works are in progress under ‘Swadesh Darshan’ and North East Tourist Circuit.
Chief Minister said that Loktak Heritage Park will be developed to facilitate visitors to experience the natural and scenic beauty of the lake. To raise awareness on the importance of Shirui Lily, government is planning to upgrade Shirui Lily Festival to national and international level if possible in the future.
Regarding the budget allocation of tourism development, Biren said a total of INR 4171.14 lakh has been allocated in the revised estimate of 2018-19, out of which INR 3703.14 lakh has been earmarked for development of tourism infrastructure, organising state festivals and promotion of tourism in the State.
Replying to a query raised by opposition Congress Member K. Ranjit Singh, the chief minister informed the House that 238 complaints related to the missing/tampering of parcels in Post Office have been received so far. Of the complaints, 20 cases have been cancelled due to lack of proper evidences. One FIR has been lodged regarding a complaint filed by Medical Superintendent of Advance Hospital, Imphal.
Investigation are taken up but cannot be completed as the employees involved in the case are from outside the state. The government authorities are collaborating with officials of GPO to prevent such unwanted incidents in future, he said.
