IMPHAL, June 14 - Tamenglong including Noney, one of the most backward districts of Manipur, will get Rs 90 crore as an additional fund, apart from the normal budgetary allocation, under the Hill Area Development Programme (HADP).
The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has approved of the much awaited topographical need-based budgeting (TNBB) for the district, official sources said here.
In the composite district infrastructure index 2009 prepared by the Ministry of DoNER, Tamenglong district was ranked 75th out of 80 districts of the North Eastern Region.
The index brings out the stark difference between infrastructure indices of the valley areas compared to the hill districts in States like Manipur, Assam and Tripura where the topography consists of both hills and valleys.
The programme will be implemented on a pilot basis for a period of two fiscal years, 2018-19 and 2019-20. The pilot scheme aims for holistic and inclusive development of the hill district. The components of the HADP include physical infrastructure like multipurpose community structures, water supply, etc., not covered by any other scheme, upgrade of roads and bridges to link major production centres, tourism sites, health facilities, upgrade of sports grounds, setting up of technological facilitation centres (TFCs) in Tamenglong for unleashing the potential of natural resources such as cane, bamboo, oranges, medicinal herbs, spices including herbs, etc., and promotion of eco-tourism among others.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh lauded the Centre, particularly the DoNER Ministry, for approving of the TNBB in the region. Soon after its formation in March 2017, the current BJP-led Government in the State had been pressing the Central Government to introduce TNBB in States where the topography consists of both hills and valleys.
