Manipur govt. to introduce ‘Night Plaza’

Our Correspondent Imphal, Sep. 24 (EMN): In a move to encourage outdoor activities and provide a recreational space, newly established BJP led government in Manipur is all set to introduce a space of nightlife in Imphal from next month. Christened as ‘Night Plaza’, a permanent feature to provide “a good recreational space” for the people of all walks will be launched in Imphal from October 2, according to Manipur Housing and Urban Development Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar. Making a formal announcement on Sunday, Minister Shyamkumar informed that the step has been taken up considering that recreation is an essential part of city life with the improvement of the law and order situation in state. “Besides this will help in improving family life in city and also it will encourage extension of business hour in the city to improve state’s overall economy,” he added. The Night Plaza will be opened for 3 hours starting from 7: 00 PM along the roadside of Kangla moat starting from Governor’s gate to Khoyathong PWD office junction road stretch on every Saturday and Sunday. Food stalls including local delicacies, acoustic shows and other recreational activities besides boating on the Kangla moat will be main attraction of the upcoming plaza. The said stretch of Kangla Moat roadside covering around 800 metres plus will have enough lighting along with dizzy neon lights on the inner bank of moat. An organising and management committee involving various concerned departments and stakeholders has been constituted for over supervision and coordination of the Night Plaza, he added and sought cooperation from general public in sustaining the permanent night life feature in Imphal. According to Additional Chief Secretary Dr Suresh Babu, the state authority will arranged necessary parking lot besides procuring the necessary mobile public utilities for the plaza which is expected to house around 110 stalls. Informing that local talents are also encouraged to come and showcase their talents during the Plaza, MAHUD Director Nepram Gitkumar said that it would be the sole responsibility of the stall operators to erect their own stalls or bring mobile van or canopy shop tent and take back whatever waste generated from their respective stalls.