Imphal

Imphal, the capital of Manipur is one of the most beautiful and planned capital cities of North East India. With lush green fields and clouds hanging overhead, Imphal offers a splendid sight to all tourists. The Koubrou and Namaijing ranges surround the beautiful valley. The pine and the jackfruit trees dot the entire valley.
           
There are numerous places of tourist importance. Situated 8 kms from the city is the Manipur Zoological gardens which has a collection of the unique fauna of the state. One can also catch a glimpse of the rare Sangai deer in the park. Then there is the Khonghampat Orchidarium. One can view the various species of orchids blooming in the Orchidarium. The Khwairamand Bazaar, run by women is also a famous tourist destination. One can shop for traditional Manipuri garments, woodcrafts and cane and bamboo crafts.
           
There are many famous pilgrimage sites in Imphal. The Shri Govindajee Temple is the most notable among them. This temple is the epicenter of the Vaishnavite history. The Manipur State Museum is also a tourist attraction. One can visit the museum to catch a glimpse of the rich culture history, culture and traditions of the Manipuri society. In the hearty of the city, lies the famous Shahid Mandir at the Bir Tirkendrajit Park. This is dedicated in the memory of all the Manipuri martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the Indian freedom struggle. One can also visit the Old Palace which is famous for its palace and an old fortress.
         
Wildlife enthusiasts can visit the Keibul Lamjao National Park which is around 53 kms from the capital city.
            
Imphal is well connected by road and air. Daily flights from all major cities of the region connect the city. The nearest railhead is situated at Silchar. The best time for visiting Imphal is from September to March.

Peace march

Imphal, December 20 2008: Starting from December 29, Manipuri Diaspora, an organisation of Manipuri people settling outside the State, would be organising a historic peace march under the theme of 'Spirit of freedom' from Silchar to Imphal spanning a period of 12 days.Announcing this during a press conference at Manipur Press Club here today, chairman of the organising committee of the historic peace march, Manipuri Diaspora RK Ranendrajit explained that the main objective of the proposed peace march is to spread message of unity, solidarity and peaceful co-existence among the people.To be participated by more than 500 Manipuri people settled outside the State including renown personalities in various fields, the peace march would be taken out under the banner of 'Manipur Levy2008', he informed.The peace march would be flagged off from Silchar on December 29, 2008 and arrived at Imphal on January 9, 2009, Ranendrajit said, while informing that all the participants should report at Sachinda Mohan dev Stadium, Silchar on December 26.Former MP Santosh Mohan dev would flag off the peace march after a public function at Sachinda Mohan dev Stadium and on arrival at Imphal, a reception function would be hosted at Khuman Lampak, he added. source: http://www.e-pao.net

Silchar Airport needs sophisticated navigational aids

Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Oct 30: Silchar airport is one of the six airfields in Asom with rich legacy of World War II vintage airstrips. Keeping pace with the increase in traffic and upgradation of passenger services, Airport Authority of India after completing modified terminal building has with it the plan to extend the runway from 5857 ft to 7500 ft which is almost complete. Besides, the apron has been strengthened and has been extended by another 150 ft.

The airport with its extended runway has come a long way in accommodating Airbus-320. A year ago, it was fit for ATR and Boeing flights or B-737 class of aircraft only. In terms of density and volume of passenger and cargo traffic, the airport, 22 km from here, has been ranked fourth after Guwahati, Agartala and Imphal.

On an average, 90000 passengers embark and disembark annually at this airport and around 600 mt of cargo is handled. It is link with Kolkata, Guwahati and Imphal by daily flights. The ‘open air policy’ of the Aviation Ministry has been able to attract private air liner like Deccan Airways, now being operated by Kingfisher. Both Kingfisher and Air India operate their flights with Airbus and ATR aircrafts. As the number of passengers of late has shown declining trend, from October 28 Kingfisher has taken the lead to reduce its fare on Silchar-kolkata route from Rs 3689 to Rs. 2980 only for economy class. Air India is also likely to follow suit. In fact, the basic fare on this route is Rs 1100 only which is compounded by fuel surcharge of Rs 2350 and fees and taxes counting for Rs 239. The Airliner has taken the calculated risk to lure passengers since its 180 seater A-320 even during puja rush has not sufficient number to be near the required load factor. Quite significantly, both Air India and Kingfisher have opted for Airbus and ATR for cost effectiveness on fuel consumption. While Airbus takes 1 hour on Silchar-Kolkata route, ATR 30 minutes more.

What Silchar airport now needs are night landing facilities about which Sontosh Mohan Dev, Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, said it would take another two months for installation of necessary equipments. Most important, considering its location in the midst of hill ranges and long duration of rains and envelopment of mists and fogs during winter, the airport needs instrument landing system, doppler very high frequency omni range along with distance measuring equipment and precision approach path indicator. It is all the more necessary because the airport is manned by Indian Air Force which has a base close to it. The airfield is of strategic importance for both civilian and military point of view. During war with Pakistan in 1971, IAF made several bombing missions to hit targets across the border. In fact, the Air Force played crucial role in the liberation of Bangladesh .

Heavy rain falls in the very early part of October have created problem of visibility for pilots in landing their aircraft. On October 5, Indian IC-7706 flight from Imphal bound for Kolkata enroute Silchar could land at the airport after 3 attempts. In order to make it all weather air field, sophisticated navigational aids have to be installed. source: the sentinel assam