Rabi Takhellambam
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has granted Rs. 4.85 crore for the development of Integrated Tourist Destination at Manipur Adventure & Allied Sports Institute (MAASI) Complex at Keirao.
This was stated by Singam Deva Meitei, Secretary MAASI, in press release. According to the press release, the sanctioning of an amount of Rs 485.64 Lakhs has been communicated under F. No 6-ENE (13)/ 2012 dated 20/03/2013 of the Ministry of Tourism (ENE Division) of the Government of India.
The project has been constructed by the MDS Manipur (Manipur Development Society) under the recommendation of Commissioner Tourism, Government of Manipur and Central Financial Assistance of the Government of India, Ministry of Tourism (ENE Division) under PPP programme. The project is likely to give employment to the youths and volunteers of Manipur Adventure & Allied Sports Institute (MAASI), said the press release.
Manipur Adventure and Allied Sports Institute (MAASI) which is now 32 years old, emerged in 1981 as a state level adventure institute to cope with the desired activities of the adolescent youths towards constructive and sports activities in particular and also to instil and develop a sense of adventure tourism in the mind of sports loving persons and public in general in this region.
In fact, Manipur emerged in the mountaineering scene of India in 1984 when MAASI scaled the C.B-10 (Tarapahar) Mt. Chandrabala, 6200 meters followed by other expeditions in the Himalayas – Gangotri-III Expedition in 1985, Gurumuk Trek Expedition in 1986, Mt. Everest Trek Expedition in 1987.Moreover, MAASI has conducted a number of expeditions throughout Manipur state including Leimaton area waterfall, the Imphal river course, the Barak river course and Chingnunghut etc., said MAASI secretary. MAASI tourist spot is located at Keirao Awaching hill range on the eastern bank of Iril River. It is the nearest tourist spot from Imphal as it is located just 7 km away from the capital city. MAASI tourist spot touches state highways linking Imphal with Yairipok, Andro, Kaina etc. The institute is managed on a PPP model.
MAASI is affiliated to National Adventure Foundation, New Delhi and recognised by the Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur as state institute of adventure. So far more than 6000 men have been given various courses on adventure.
Apart from its training programmes for youths in adventure, many camps aimed at infusing the sense of self employment in environmental protection, in avoidance of drugs and alcohol, in expanding social welfare activities, in social and cultural co-operation etc are included in MAASI’s regular activities. Programmes on trekking, rock climbing, rafting, jungle safari, cross country race, obstacles etc. are arranged for boys and girls to provide the youths ample chances for display of hidden inert qualities in them”, he said.
