Foundation stone for ATC at Lamdan laid

Imphal, February 18 : State tourism, IPR and PHED Minister, TN Haokip today laid the foundation stone for construction of Adventure Tourism Complex (TC) at Manipur Mountaineering Institute, Lamdan, an adventure training centre of the Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Association (MMTA).

Speaking on the occasion of laying the foundation stone for the complex to be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 3.74 crore, TN Haokip said that the site selection at Lamdan for developing an adventure tourism complex is a good choice, and once the work of planting trees and development of a parking lot at the MMI complex were completed, the place will become one of the most beautiful places for tourists in Manipur.

At the same time, he also expressed apprehension of delay in the completion of construction if it was done like that of contractworks with no quality control.

So, he added, authority of the MMTA should utmost care while handling the construction work and present a precious gift to the people of the state and to the tourism department.

He further appealed the villagers around the Lamdan, located at the top of the Thingjing range on the road to Loktak project to check felling of trees and deforestation considering the water shortage problem facing by them and helps in conservation of water perennial use.

Chairman of the Manipur Tribal Development Corporation, MTDC, Manga Vaiphei who presided the function while exploring the beauty of the area said that those who visited the area could get the taste of good and mild atmosphere but if there is shortage of water in the area, villagers and tourists would face problem.

He also observed the need for conservation of the forest in the area for the water to retain for long time and save the area from non-availability of water during the dry season.

He also said that as the tourism complex will be the proud place for the people of Churachnadpur district in general and particularly for the villagers of the Henglep sub-division.

RK Ranendrajit, the founder president of the MMTA also spoke at function said that with the laying of the foundation stone, the long cherish dream of the association come to reality and it will enhance the MMTA in producing more adventurous youths in the state.

He also sought co-operation of the gathering to make the complex one of the most prestigious tourist spot in the country while appealing the concern government officials to discharge their duty sincerely to fulfill the long cherish dream of the people.

Among other, the function was also attended by the chief of the Lamdan village Thitoungam Maringmei, BB Sharma,IAS, secretary/commissioner tourism and T Panmei, IAS, registrar co-operative societies.

MMTA is targeting to complete the development of the tourist complex by 2011 and inaugurate on its 25th foundation day celebration.

Within the complex there would an artificial rock wall cum open air theatre, auditorium, adventure club, lodge, museum cum library, information cum tourist hall, craft market, staff quarter, view tower, eco-park cum golf court, hotel, security barracks, power sub-station, football field etc.