Tourism Day celebrated

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 25 : Manipur celebrated the National Tourism Day under the theme Rural and Community Centric Tourism at Ibudhou Marjing polo complex, Heingang in Imphal East district, today.
The function was graced by Tourism Commissioner PK Jha and Tourism Director  W Ibohal as chief and president respectively.
An awareness programme on tourism and a heritage walk were the main features  of the observance.
Speaking at the event, W Ibohal said that promoting rural tourism is imperative to stimulate local economic growth and social change.
The site of Ibudhou Marjing at Heingang has become a popular tourist destination since the inception of many tourism projects there, he said.
Saying that the department is preparing to complete the construction of the polo statue at Ibudhou Marjing polo complex by mid 2022, W Ibohal continued that the construction of a 50 feet wide road at Khabam Lamkhai along National Highway 2 is also nearing completion.
Construction of  one polo ground to host polo tournament at international level is in the pipeline, he maintained and added that the department will develop the Ibudhou Marjing heritage centre as a world class tourism destination while a water amusement park is under construction at Awang Potshangbam Thingu Hill at a cost of Rs 40 crore.
A project which aims to preserve the homestead at INA Headquarters at Moirang has already been inaugurated, he continued and added that Khangkhui cave at Ukhrul will be inaugurated in February.
Acknowledging that the condition of tourism in Manipur is not yet up to people's expectation, W Ibohal said that the department has been working out to construct a natural trail  from Phubala to Sendra at a cost of Rs 1350 crore and under the funding of ADB.
Building which showcase the handloom and handicraft of Manipur, world class resort, meditation and yoga centres etc will be established on either side of the natural  trail, he said and added that installation of a ropeway from Sendra to Karang by passing through Chaoba Ching (Hill) is also included in this project.
A proposal has been made to NEC to develop 25 villages such as Khoupum, Buning, Khayang and Phangrei as a tourist destination, W  Ibohal said and asserted that the State's tourism industry will flourish in a few years.