Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh has launched a Cherry Blossom Avenue at Luwangsangbam, Imphal, on the occasion of World Environment Day here on Tuesday.
While introducing the concept of Cherry Blossom Avenues, Prof Dinabandhu Sahoo, Director, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), a National Institute of Department of Biotechnology, explained that the Cherry Blossom generates an economic impact of $400 million in Washington DC, USA alone, every year.
Sahoo, who pioneered the concept of Cherry Blossom Festival in India, said this initiative of IBSD, will go a long way to bring Manipur on the global tourist map.
This initiative when properly marketed with the scenic beauty of the State will drive a huge number of tourists who are interested in eco-tourism and will bring about sustainable development of the State, said Sahoo.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh lauded the initiative of IBSD and said such plantations will be be an important programme of his endevour to develop a Green Manipur through increased plantations, which will integrate with his Government's flagship developmental programmes of 'Go to the Hills' and 'Go to the Villages'.
He also mentioned that his Government is brining along the masses to develop a movement to beat Plastic Pollution, which is the theme of this year's World Environment Day, which is being hosted by India.
Prof. Sahoo also handed over sweet edible cherry, apple, plum and peach saplings brought from Kashmir to be planted in Manipur which will boost the bio-economy of the State.