Manipur Cabinet Revives Helicopter Services and Declares Loktak Day Festival
Cabinet Meeting Highlights
Manipur Cabinet Meeting held on Thursday
Imphal, Oct 23: The Cabinet of Manipur convened on Thursday and made significant decisions, including the resumption of helicopter services in the state's remote regions, as reported by officials.
During the meeting led by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, it was agreed to engage Pawan Hans Limited, a government-owned entity, to reinstate helicopter operations that had been halted since October 1, 2026.
A twin-engine helicopter will be utilized for a duration of six months or until a regular operator is appointed through a tender process, ensuring a minimum of 40 flying hours each month.
This service aims to reconnect remote and hilly areas with Imphal, facilitating travel for passengers and addressing medical emergencies. The expenses will be shared with the Ministry of Home Affairs under its North East helicopter initiative. Should central funding not be available, the state will cover the costs.
The meeting, which included Home Minister Govindas Konthioujam, Tourism Minister Kh Loken, and Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur, also approved the declaration of Loktak Day as a state festival.
The celebration for this year is set to commence on October 26 at the Loktak Lairembi Ground in Thanga and at Komlakhong, organized by the Loktak Development Authority in collaboration with local clubs.
Additionally, the Cabinet sanctioned the inclusion of registered and licensed newspaper printing presses with web offset machines in the list of 'public purposes' under the Manipur Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2014. These presses can now apply for permission to utilize up to 0.62 acres of contiguous paddy land, adhering to all other provisions of the Act.