IMPHAL, Nov 27 � Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh visited Heingang in Imphal East district on Wednesday and assessed the development on the Ibudhou Marjing Pony Sanctuary which will rear the ancient breed of polo ponies of Manipur, now reduced to around 700.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines, Ibobi asserted the International Polo Tournament is held every year at the historic Mapan Kangjeibung in Imphal, the oldest living pologround in the world, with the sole aim to save the state�s uncommon horse pony and to spread the message across the globe that the game of polo (sagol kangjei) was originated from Manipur.
He expressed concern about the number of rare ponies in Manipur and cited that its number has been now dwindled to around 700. The Ibudhou Marjing Pony Sanctuary has been developed at Heingang to save the horse and increase its breed, the Chief Minister said, adding the State Government takes help from various NGOs in taking up this plan.
The sanctuary will also be made a tourist destination, Ibobi said, informing the Khongjom Kheba Ching, Kaina and Ibudhou Marjing Pony Sanctuary are to develop further under an integrated mega project with financial assistance from the Union Ministry of Tourism.
He said that in this mega project, the pony sanctuary will require about 300 acres of land and there is another plan for constructing in the area after erecting an eco-friendly fencing around the sanctuary. The Chief Minister also appealed to all the owners to rein in their horses from wandering in the street or to bring them to the sanctuary.
He said straying of horse in the Imphal municipal area is not allowed and the Imphal Municipal Council has been directed to manage and take steps in this regard.
