Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today sought co-operation to tap potential in power sector in the state as part of the Government's Act East Policy for building connectivity between India and ASEAN.
"Energy is a thrust area of development in Manipur not only to meet the local requirement for domestic and industrial uses but also for marketing outside because the State has considerable hydro power potential," Singh said.
Speaking at the seventh edition of Delhi Dialogue here, he said a dozen of hydro power potential sites have been identified in Manipur.
"The total potential so far assessed is 1784 MW as against which only 105 MW has been harnessed. We solicit cooperation and support in making this a reality," he said.
The Chief Minister also said there is an active engagement with Myanmar for supply of 2-3 MW of power them.
Highlighting the significance of the Indo-ASEAN partnership for the North Eastern Region of India, he said: "It is important for us from the point of view of connectivity, employment generation, sustainable development, raising incomes, and promotion of varieties of enterprises in different sectors."
The Act East Policy had begun to open opportunities for the North Eastern States, he added.
Pointing out some of the measures which needed to be taken up from Manipur's perspective, Singh said road connectivity and regular bus services needed to start quickly.
"Regular and reliable bus or transit service for passengers and cargo from Imphal to nearby ASEAN countries will open economic activities. If we want our trade and economic exchange to grow, we should quickly establish this service on a regular basis," he added.
"The proposed Trilateral Highway connecting Moreh (in Manipur) with Maesot in Thailand and Asian Highway No 1 & 2 which touch Manipur can open industrial activities upon completion. There are several portions of these roads which need to be realigned, widened and improved," he said.
Imphal Airport could be used for international air passengers & cargo with cold storage facilities, Singh said adding,"The towns at the border point between India and Myanmar, (Moreh and Tamu) can be developed as hubs for trading."
Stating that the state planned to build a New Moreh Township for this purpose, he said: "We have already earmarked over 3,000 acres of land adjacent to the existing town. We look forward to partnerships to make it a reality.
