Imphal: A delegation of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Monday met Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho to discuss a proposed externally aided project on community-based watershed development in the state.
The delegation apprised Dikho of the proposed JICA-funded project, “Enhancing Livelihoods through Community-Based Watershed Development in Manipur”, which is currently under formulation.
During the meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Imphal, Eiji Wakamatsu, Senior Representative, JICA, said similar projects had already been implemented in Nagaland, Tripura and Meghalaya, while a project in Mizoram is under appraisal.
Wakamatsu also referred to the long-standing ties between Japan and Manipur and expressed JICA’s willingness to share Japan’s experience in watershed development. He sought the state government’s support for the implementation of the proposed project.
Dikho welcomed the initiative, noting that the project is proposed to cover all districts of Manipur. He also highlighted the growing engagement of Manipur’s youth in Japan through employment and training opportunities.
The Deputy Chief Minister assured the delegation of the state government’s support for the implementation of the proposed project.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (TCI) and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force Anurag Bajpai, Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change/Works Arun Kumar Sinha, and other senior officials.