Imphal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under the Viksit Bharat Viksit North East initiative, unveiled multiple developmental projects with an outlay of Rs 3500 crore for Manipur on Saturday.
These projects were virtually unveiled from Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh, where he officially announced projects worth Rs 55,600 crore for six northeast states, excluding Assam.
PM Modi also dedicated the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh to the nation and launched the UNNATI scheme worth Rs 10,000 crore for the next ten years. The development projects encompass various sectors such as rail, road, health, housing, education, border infrastructure, IT, power, and oil and gas.
Addressing a formal function at the City Convention Centre in Imphal, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that Bharat, especially the North Eastern States, has witnessed significant change since Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of the country. He also expressed confidence that PM Modi would be elected for a third term in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections in 2024.
Highlighting the projects virtually inaugurated and foundation stones laid by the Prime Minister, he said, “For Manipur, the projects amounting to approximately Rs 3500 crore include foundation stones for 36 projects totaling around Rs 1748 crore and 45 projects totaling around Rs 1703 crore.”
Singh emphasized the foundation stone laying of a Unity Mall at a project cost of approximately Rs 149 crore, stating that it will have separate stalls for all recognized communities in the state. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving this important project proposed by the State government.
The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude for the infrastructure development of the Maternity and Child Hospital and highlighted the infrastructural development of Manipur Technical University at a project cost of Rs 54 crore, which will benefit the youth.
He also mentioned the infrastructural development of the Processing Zone of IT SEZ. Singh noted that the Prime Minister had suggested focusing on sports to divert youth from drugs, leading to initiatives like “One Village, One Ground” (Khungang Ama Sanabung Ama).
He added that foundation stones for football grounds with natural grass in seven different locations were also laid. Other projects for which foundation stones were laid include school infrastructure development, two road projects under NESIDS, two national highway projects (Imphal-Jiribam, Ukhrul-Taloi-Tadubi), and four bridges under Setu Bandhan.
Projects inaugurated include two roads under CRIF, water supply schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission, Craft Handloom village at Moirang, and four National Highway Projects (Imphal-Moreh; Tamenglong-Khongsang; Maram-Peren; Churachandpur-Tuivai).
Highlighting the need to preserve and protect nature and the environment, Singh emphasized the importance of understanding the interdependence between humans and nature. He stressed the rejuvenation work of Lamphelpat and the development and preservation of more water bodies in the state.
Singh also praised the Modi government for resolving chronic issues in the Northeast, including Manipur, and implementing the Inner Line Permit in the state. He appreciated the Centre’s decision to scrap the Free Movement Regime and emphasized the importance of border fencing.
Union Minister of State attended the formal function at the City Convention Centre for External Affairs and Education Dr. RK Ranjan Singh, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi, DGP Shri Rajiv Singh, senior administrative and police officers, among others.
Also Read | Assam: Poachers arrested near Manas national park