Javadekar in northeast to assess projects, sanctuaries

Union Environment, Forests and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar arrived in Manipur capital Imphal on Friday as part of his three-day visit to the northeastern region for assessment of various projects and sanctuaries, officials said.

Javadekar met senior forest officials, farmers and people from local communities after reaching the Manipur capital, an official of the environment, forests and climate change ministry said, adding that the minister would also hold similar meetings in Mizoram and Tripura.

On Saturday, Javadekar will visit Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) in Bishnupur district of Manipur.

KLNP is the only floating park in the world and is an integral part of Loktak Lake, one of the world famous lakes.

A Manipur forest department official said that the KLNP is likely to be nominated among probable World Heritage Sites soon.

"Unesco has decided to nominate KLNP among probable World Heritage Sites after the Manipur government submitted a proposal to the forest and environment ministry in this regard," the official added.

In Mizoram, Javadekar will visit Advanced Research Centre of Bamboo (ARCB), Forest Training School to inaugurate a training institute under Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The minister would also interact with bamboo entrepreneurs in Aizawl.

An official release also said that Javadekar will visit Tripura Forest Development and Plantation Corporation (TFDPC) in the outskirts of capital Agartala and interact with rubber growers and artisans producing rubber products on Sunday (January 10).

He would also meet forest officials and visit Siphaijala wildlife sanctuary and discuss about its expansion and development.

Before returning to the national capital, Javadekar would meet Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar and discuss the ongoing projects related to forest and environment in the state.