Imphal, September 27, 2017 (DIPR): World Tourism Day on the theme “Sustainable Tourism- a Tool for Development’ was observed at Phayeng Village, Imphal West. Speaking as the Chief Guest, Shri Karam Shyam, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Revenue said that, the government led Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh is giving special emphasis to tourism sector.
He said the Chief Minister currently in New Delhi is meeting Union Ministers and officials in this regard. Shri Karam Shyam also said sanction to build ropeway connecting Siroi to Ukhrul, Marjing to Pheidinga and Sendra to Karang has been approved. A proposal for direct flight between Delhi and Imphal (3 flights in a week) is also being sent to the Central Government for consideration.
Minister Karam Shyam said Phayeng is an appropriate location to celebrate World Tourism Day as the village is rich in natural beauty. He also said that the welcome accorded to him following the age old traditions and customs with men and women of the area wearing the traditional dress is in line with the theme of the observation. He applauded the locals for preserving the culture and traditions of our forefathers and said that it is heartening to be sitting at the dias(stage) along with the Kullakpa (Village Head) of Phayeng who is wearing the traditional dress.
Karam Shyam highlighting the contribution of Tourism in the economy said the sector accounts for 10% of global GDP and has generated 1 in 10 jobs in the global workforce. He said it is unfortunate that the State is unable to tap the full potential of the natural beauty which is blessed with green forest cover and rare species of flora and fauna.
The Minister said to boost tourism, the State should become tourist friendly, provide a secure environment by improving the law and order situation. He called upon the citizens of the State to help the Government in making Manipur a favoured tourist destination. He also said water harvesting structure will soon come up at Lamphel and land encroachers will be evicted after giving suitable notice, following the law of the land.
Shri Sapam Ranjan Singh, Chairman of the Tourism Corporation of Manipur Limited (TCML) said that marketing in an important constituent needed to boost tourism. Stating that emphasis is being given to promote rural tourism, Shri Sapam Ranjan Singh said in the upcoming Sangai Festival homestays will be promoted to unable the tourists to experience the lifestyle of the people.
Shri Heikham Dingo Singh, MLA Sekmai A/C said that the State is rich in arts and culture and tourism can reach its full potential if the locals collaborate with the Government. He also said for the State to develop, the villages must be developed first.
As part of World Tourism Day, the locals of the Phayeng village performed cultural dances of Khou Chongba and Chakpa Phayeng Anoiba jagoi. Mukna demonstration enthralled the spectators along with Waa (bamboo) Chingba. The locals of Phayeng also submitted memorandum to the Chief Guest Shri Karam Shyam which was addressed to the Chief Minister.
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