India (Commonwealth Union)_ According to Manipur’s tourism commissioner, Pradeep Kumar Jha, the state’s administration is expanding tourism and related infrastructures to transform it into a world-class tourist destination. During his speech at the second Manipur Tourism Congress in Imphal, Pradeep Kumar Jha said that the 16 districts of Manipur are diverse and special in their own way, and that the Sangai Festival is being held at various locations to increase awareness and to appreciate these unique features.
The commissioner of tourism also disclosed that a two-day consultation for the development of a tourism policy had been organized by the Department of Tourism in order to promote Manipur as a top tourist destination in the nation. He stated that while developing policy, importance should be given to all areas of the private sector. The commissioner added that the government will also consider giving three-star services at Loktak Lake, with a decision to be made within the next three weeks.
According to the commissioner, the state administration is working hard to transform the state’s tourist industry into a world-class destination. He also announced that the G20 Summit will be hosted in Manipur in February 2023 and urged the state’s residents to prioritize hospitality and service. In addition to the Sangai Festival, the commissioner said that the state will also host the Barak Festival on December 13 and the Orange Festival on December 17.
W Ibohal, director of tourism, emphasized the historical ties between Manipur’s several notable locations and the evolution of the state’s hills and valleys. Regarding the hazards at Loktak Lake, he stated that they are the result of human settlement. According to the head of tourism, thirty years ago, the lake was 286 square kilometers, but now it has shrunk to just 168 square kilometers. “We need to preserve and protect the lake,” he said.
Underscoring the significance of Keibul Lamjao National Park, he described the special nature of Phumdi, which absorbs nutrients from the soil throughout the summer. In addition, he also discussed the specialties of some historical monuments, including Ima Keithel, Sangol Kangjei, and other places. “I want to promote state tourism to world destinations and make it a hotspot of tourism,” Ibohal said.
