Loktak set to be upgraded

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 21: The iconic Loktak Lake is set to be upgraded under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).
An amount of Rs 89 crore has been sanctioned under SASCI for development of the tourism sector in Manipur.
Taking serious note of the adverse impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the country’s economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched SASCI scheme in 2020-21 with the primary objective of bringing a substantial growth in the States’ capital investment.
The Government of Manipur has been investing funds received from SASCI scheme in different sectors including School Fagat Hansi mission and College Fagat Hansi mission.
Funds provided under SASCI scheme are given as shift loans without any interest for a period of 50 years.
In 2020-21, an amount of Rs 317.16 crore was approved for Manipur under SASCI scheme and the whole approved amount was released to the State.
Out of Rs 288.47 crore approved in 2021-22, Rs 212.85 crore was released  to the State.
In the next financial year 2022-23, Rs 467.22 crore was released to the State out of the total approved amount of Rs 764.47 crore.
Tourism Director W Ibohal said that Loktak Lake would be upgraded with funds from SASCI by adding certain components of international standard.
Plans are afoot to build stairs on the lake so that tourists can touch the water surface, build an iconic resort at Sendra and upgrade Takmu water sports complex, Ibohal said.
The department has also been planning to build a tower at Thanga, construct adequate public utilities and construct ziplines which would connect one hilltop to another, the Tourism Director added.