THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2025
Nagaland Districts
The Indian Association of Tour Operators, Manipur chapter, has urged the government to allow pre-arrival PAP applications to attract more foreign tourists.
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IMPHAL — The Manipur chapter of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has urged the government to allow pre-arrival Protected Area Permit (PAP) applications during visa processing in travellers’ home countries and to authorise approved tour operators and IATO members to apply for the permits on behalf of their clients.
The proposal was made by H Radhakrishna Sharma, State-in-Charge of IATO, along with a four-member team during a meeting with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan, Imphal, on Monday.
The team also submitted a representation highlighting challenges faced by tour operators in obtaining PAPs for foreign tourists visiting Manipur. The association said simplifying the process would facilitate smoother travel and strengthen the state’s tourism sector.
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Governor Bhalla took note of the concerns and appreciated IATO’s efforts towards promoting sustainable tourism in Manipur.
In a separate development, Gursharan Singh, newly appointed General Manager (Electrical) of NHPC, also called on the Governor at Raj Bhavan on Monday. Singh, who formerly served as Head of Project (NHPC), briefed the Governor on operational challenges faced by the Loktak Hydroelectric Project, including transportation difficulties for large equipment required for renovation works.
He also highlighted ongoing initiatives to improve maintenance practices and enhance the operational reliability of the project. The Governor emphasised the importance of timely renovation to ensure the project’s efficiency.