The first project under Centre’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme, ‘Development of Northeast Circuit: Imphal and Khongjom’ was dedicated to the people of Manipur on Tuesday.
Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla dedicated the projects at historic Kangla in Imphal and it was attended by Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Union Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge) KJ Alphons and Manipur ministers.
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Speaking at the occasion, Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla maintained that thousands of tourist visit France to witness the war memorials of the Western Front every year. She observed that similar number of tourists would also come to Imphal if the Government develops the capital city of Imphal as a tourist destination.
Swadesh Darshan (tour of country) scheme is one of the flagship schemes of the Ministry of Tourism for development of thematic circuits in the country in a planned and prioritised manner.
The project which covers two sites – Kangla Fort in Imphal and Khongjom – was taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 72.22 crore under the Union Ministry of Tourism.
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In the World War-II, two fiercest and significant battles were fought – one in the Western Front i.e. in France where Hitler was defeated and another in the Eastern Front i.e. in Imphal/Kohima, she said. Moreover, Indian Army flag was hoisted for the first time on the Indian soil at Moirang during World War-II.
In terms of connectivity, Dr Heptulla said that several airline companies had introduced direct flights between Imphal and New Delhi.
In his speech, Chief Minister N Biren Singh appealed to the people of the State for creating an environment conducive for the growth of tourism sector.
On the other hand, Union Tourism Minister Alphons said that the Centre is ever ready to sanction funds for good projects.Stating that 2017 was a very good year for tourism sector of the country, the Minister said that India is now one of the fastest growing tourism economies of the world.
Ministers Th Biswajit, Karam Shyam, Letpao Haokip, Th Shyamkumar, Losii Dikho, V. Hangkhanlian, Nemcha Kipgen, Tourism Corporation of Manipur Ltd Chairman Dr Sapam Ranjan, MLAs and high-level officials of the Government of India and Government of Manipur also attended the function.