Imphal, July 7: Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh said yesterday that Andro and Kaina are being developed as tourist destinations and the Kaina road and the Andro road are also to be widened and constructed.
This was stated by him while speaking as the Chief Guest at the Opening Ceremony of the 5-day long 9th State Level Pineapple Festival cum Seller & Buyer Meet and Youth Festival 2016 at Thambalnu Market Complex, Poiroupat Lamkhai, Imphal East being organised by the Development Organisation Andro Kendra.
He also said that the construction work of Thoubal Dam/Mapithel Dam is about 99 per cent complete and the rain water during rainy seasons will be collected and stored in the 16 km long upstream and when the dam is completed it will provide drinking water to the greater Imphal area besides the production of electricity and irrigation water. He said that Manipur is very conducive for horticultural products which are famous outside the state for their distinct quality and flavour like the pineapple of Manipur. He continued that the Government of Manipur through the horticulture & soil Conservation deptt is taking up many initiatives for the development of horticulture produces and their marketing by organising festivals of such kind and appealed the farmers to be very industrious for producing more crops as development will come when there are abundant agriculture/horticulture products. The Chief Minister, taking the opportunity of the function, also appealed that we are all Manipuris and should have the sense of belongingness.
The MLA of Andro A/c Th. Shyamkumar while speaking as the president of the function said that the Festival is being organised to encourage the pineapple farmers and to boost the economy of the farmers. He highlighted the initiatives taken up regarding the development of education sector in the Andro constituency and drew the attention of the government for opening a government college.
Commissioner Horti & soil Conservation T. Pamei, Brig. J.S Bainsla Commander,9 sector Assam Rifles and Commandant of 2nd Assam Rifles Col. J. C. Hajarnis were the Guests of Honour of the function.
The Festival will continue upto 10th July and altogether 240 stalls are being opened in the Festival. Cultural items of different communities were also performed in the opening ceremony.
