God’s own paradise ‘Manipur’ pumps up tourist attraction, augmenting Northeast in its first project of Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

Imphal, August 16: Undoubtedly Northeast ought to be one of the most beautifully structured and visually extraordinary regions in India. Moving ahead with a dream project of exhibiting the rich culture and heritage of the Northeast, Governor of Manipur, Najma Heptualla inaugurated a project ‘Development of ‘North East Circuit: Imphal & Khongjom’ implemented under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

 

The Swadesh Darshan Scheme comes under the Ministry of Tourism which encourages the involvement and attracting several tourists to visit the beautiful state of Manipur. Stating that Manipur has a rich cultural heritage and bountiful scenic beauty, she called Manipur as the ‘God’s own paradise’. The project covers two sites Kangla Fort in Imphal and Khongjom under the Union Ministry of Tourism.

The project is the first project to be completed under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Government of India. The Project was inaugurated in the presence of N Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, K.J. Alphons, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism, State Ministers of Manipur and Rashmi Verma, Union Tourism Secretary.

Addressing the event, Najma Heptualla observed that there could be no other city in the country having so much of historical and cultural importance and many sporting talents. Expressing concern over omitting Maharaja Kullachandra’s name in the records of Kalapani Cellular Jail, she urged the authority concerned of the Central Government to look into the matter.

 

The project covers two sites i.e. Kangla Fort and Khongjom. Kangla Fort is one of the most important historic and archaeological site of Manipur located in the heart of the Imphal city. Kangla has a special place in the hearts and minds of the people of Manipur. The old Govindajee Temple, outer and inner moat and other relics are perfect reflections of the rich art and architectural heritage of Manipur.

Under this project, Ministry has carried out works like Restoration & Improvement of Outer & Inner Moat and Rejuvenation of Sacred Ponds; Reconstruction of Old Rampart; Sound and Light Show, Construction of Rock Garden, Utility Block; Audio Guide, Eco Friendly Conveyance, Development of Crafts Houses and Parking on Naga Nullah; Polo Gallery; Reception and Ticket Counter.

Development of Tourism in North Eastern Region is prime area of focus for the Ministry of Tourism. The Ministry is carrying out an array of activities for development and promotion of tourism in the region. The Ministry is developing the tourism infrastructure in the region under its schemes of Swadesh Darshan and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive (PRASAD). Together under both the schemes Ministry has sanctioned 15 projects covering all North Eastern states for Rs.1301.47 Crores.

The Ministry organises International Travel Mart every year in one of the North eastern state with objective of providing platform to these sates to showcase its tourism potential to perspective international and domestic buyers and opportunity to interact with them.

Augmenting a great scope of tourism in the Northeast states will also help to pump up the tourist attraction because the scenic beauty of Northeast has never been explored much. With these initiatives the country will be able to exhibit its rich culture and beauty.