MANIPUR, Aug 14 - Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla inaugurated the project �Development of North East Circuit: Imphal and Khongjom� implemented under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India at a function held at the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal, Manipur today.
The project to be completed under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Government of India was inaugurated in the presence of N Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur , KJ Alphons, Union Minister of State for Tourism and senior State Government officials.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor drew the attention of the Government to the huge potential of the tourism industry of the State which comes in the form of culture, sports, arts, ecology, history, handloom and handicrafts.
The Tourism Minister congratulated the Government of Manipur for the commendable work in tourism sector of the State and suggested to come up with good projects and expressed his willingness to be generous on the projects to be taken up in the North-east. He also appealed to the north-eastern States to tap tourism potential in order to boost economy.
Chief Minister of Manipur N Biren Singh proposed three more projects for development and strengthening of eco, ethnic and sports tourism at Loktak Lake, Mapithel Dam and Shadu Chiru. He also expressed his happiness on the progress of Kangkhui cave tourism project.
The Swadesh Darshan scheme is one of the flagship schemes of Ministry of Tourism for development of thematic circuits in the country in a planned and prioritised manner.
The scheme was launched in 2014 -15 and as on date the Ministry has sanctioned 70 projects for Rs.5708.88 crore to 29 States and UTs under the scheme.
The project which was inaugurated today in Manipur was sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism in September 2015 for Rs.72.30 crore. The project covers two sites Kangla Fort and Khongjom. Kangla Fort is one of the most important historic and archaeological sites of Manipur located at the heart of the Imphal city. Kangla has a special place in the hearts and minds of the people of Manipur.
