By James Khangenbam Imphal Updated Feb 17, 2023
Chief Minister N Biren graced the closing function of the 1st North East Aero-Sports Hot Air Balloons and Para-Motor Fiesta, 2023 at Phubala. The event organized by the Manipur Aero Sports Association (MASA) in association with Khasia Ventures and sponsored by the Tourism Department with technical support from Adventure Wing, Indian Army was inaugurated on February 11 . Speaking at the closing ceremony, N Biren proposed opening of a permanent aero sports facility after exploring its feasibility and finding a suitable location.
1st North East Aero-Sports Hot Air Balloons
He thanked the Indian Army for providing technical support to the event and further highlighted that Manipur is suitable for such adventure sports activities. Today, Manipur is also becoming a tourist hotspot, the Chief Minister said highlighting the INA Headquarters at Moirang, Sangai Ethnic Park and the upcoming G-20 events in the State.
He also appealed to the people living along the highway to accord a warm and traditional welcome to the visiting delegates of the G-20 event who would include 50 foreign delegates. The closing function was also attended by YAS Minister Govindas Konthoujam, PHE Minister L Susindro Meitei, MP (Rajya Sabha) Leisemba Sanajaoba, Moirang MLA Th Shanti, LDA Chairman M Asnikumar and officials of the 57 Mountain Division, among others.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh also inaugurated Loktak Lake Front Garden at Sendra in the presence of Rajya Sabha Member Sanajaoba Leishemba, Ministers K Govindas, L Susindro, Th Basanta Singh, LDA Chairman M Asnikumar Singh and other Government officials. The Loktak Lake Front Garden would host the delegates of G-20 events and provide them with an opportunity to experience Loktak Lake from a very close range. Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Minister expressed satisfaction at the preparations being made for the G20 events.
He appealed to the people for cooperation in restoring the precious ecosystem of Loktak and its associated wetlands. “The lake front is going to play a major role in making Loktak Lake more accessible to tourists and promote eco-tourism in the State”, Biren said. He also stressed that the State Government has been taking extensive measures for the revival, complete rejuvenation and conservation of Loktak Lake and its associated wetlands.
LDA Chairman M Asnikumar said that the LDA has been working on a war footing to conserve Loktak through participatory processes. He also appealed to the fishing and catchment area communities for their participation in the conservation efforts of the Government to fulfil the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM N Biren to make Loktak an iconic wetland site of the South Asian region.
The Chief Minister also inspected the Sangai Ethnic Park at Moirang Khunou and INA Headquarters Heritage Site at Moirang. The park is a major destination of the G-20 delegates, who will be reaching the State on Friday.
