25 Manipur monuments selected for development

Imphal, June 30: The state archaeology, arts and culture department has picked out 25 historical monuments and sites in the state for their development. According to officials of the department, extensive improvement works on the selected monuments and sites will be carried out under 'Heritage Protection,' a central sponsored scheme. The official told IFP that the entire expenditure has been recommended by the 11th financial commission. Though he declined to disclosed the total amount of the project for obvious reasons, he maintained that it will be made available in a phased wise manner. The first phase of the grant has already been released and subsequently initial works has commenced, he said. He also informed that the state's public works department has already been handed over the project and his department is expecting completion of the overall renovation works by 2005. The sites where works arc already in progress are at Sangai Yumpham at Canchipur and Chowkidar Shed at Sekta. Besides, the remaining monuments and sites where the schemes will be implemented arc Thangal Temple at Palace Compound, Sri Krishna Temple at Thangapat Mapal, Kaina temple at Kaina, Sir Churachand's Palace at Wangkhei, Kongba Leithong Phatpa at Top Khongnangkhong, Madan Mohanjee Temple, Nahabam Bamon Likai, Brinachandra Temple at Nongmeibung, Sri Krishna Temple at Nongmeibung, Hicham Yaichampat at Yaiskul, Leimapokpa Keirungba Temple at MSRTC Compound, Wangthoibi at Sagolband, Khagemba Laikol at Heirangeithong, Samadhi of Maharaja Khaba at Uripok, Thong Nambonbi at Khwairamband, Lainingthou Marjing at Adimjati Compound, Samadhi of Maharaja Gambhir Singh at Canchipur, Makhel historical site, Makhel in Senapati district, Willong Megolithic site at Willong in Senapati district, Chibu Stone Inscriptions at Tongjang village in Churachandpur district, Lungpha Historical site at Khampi village in Ukhrul district, Wangkhei Meiraba's battle site at Kakching, Archaelogical site at Anal Khullen.