MoS Gopi emphasizes on developing Manipur’s Loktak Lake

Union minister of state (MoS) for petroleum and natural gas and tourism, Suresh Gopi on Friday emphasized the importance of developing Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the northeast, into a world-class tourist destination.
The Union MoS who arrived in Imphal on an official visit to Manipur visited Bishnupur district where he reviewed the overall functioning of various line departments and assessed the implementation of key government schemes.
Gopi termed the Loktak Lake as the pride of the state and asserted that developing this lake into a world-class destination could significantly boost revenue generation of the state.
The Union minister was responding to the presentation for a recent project for developing Karang as a Model Digital Island as a major initiative in the district administration during the review meeting.
The review meeting held at the mini-secretariat complex of the district was attended by DC, SP and other district level top officials of other departments.
DC Pooja Elangbam presented a comprehensive power-point on the district’s tourism potential, highlighting major attractions such as Khoriphaba Temple, Loukoi Pat, Red Hill & India Peace Memorial, Maibam Lokpa Ching, Nambol, Vishnu Temple, Shri Gopinath Temple, INA War Museum, INA Memorial Complex, Loktak Lake, and the Sangai Ethnic Park.
Departments including health, education, agriculture, power, minor irrigation, and others showcased their departmental profiles and activities through detailed presentations. The Union minister provided constructive feedback to each department, focusing on innovation strategies aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision for the northeast.
Gopi reiterated the Prime Minister’s dream of a transformed northeast and stressed that a new and improved Manipur could emerge if people embraced innovative ideas across different sectors.
Focusing on the tourism sector, he acknowledged its immense potential and underlined the need for integrated development to drive economic growth. In the health sector, the Union MoS highlighted critical focus areas such as infant mortality, sickle cell anaemia, and malaria, urging the department to intensify efforts in these domains.
Regarding education, he emphasized on the importance of conducting special training programs for capacity building of teachers to improve the quality of government schools and boost enrolment.
He also engaged in a detailed discussion on the roles and honorarium of cook-cum-helpers.
In the agricultural sector, Gopi enquired about the fertilizer distribution system and farmer feedback, suggesting an increase in millet production, in line with the Prime Minister’s nutrition-focused initiatives.
The Union MoS also reviewed the Open Defecation Free (ODF) initiative led by the PHE department and reiterated the importance of prioritizing health, food, and education, which he said were the backbone of any progressive society.
He assured of all possible support from his end for the development of the district. Following the review meeting, Gopi, accompanied by the DC, ADM, and concerned officials, visited district hospital, where he interacted with patients and conducted a thorough inspection of the facility, guided by the medical superintendent.
He later paid floral tributes to fallen soldiers of the Indo-Japanese forces at the Indian Peace Memorial Maibam Lokpa Ching and also visited Imphal Peace Museum.