Govt to develop twin sites with 20 cr aid

Aizawl, Jul 10: Mizoram government will develop two locations in th state as eco-tourism hotspots at the cost of Rs 18.12 crore.

This project has been initiated to draw more tourists, both domestic and international, state tourism minister Z.H.Ropuia told UNI.

The minister said two sites, Chalfilh and Chaltlang, located 40 kms away from the capital town, would be developed.

''The sylvan sites are rich in biodiversity,'' Mr Ropuia said adding the twin locations would offer a glimpse of the region's green treasures and are home to rare species of plants.

Tourism department director B Sanghluna said the Chalfilh also boasts of exotic avian species such as spotted doves, hornbills, paradise, flycatchres and Blyth's tragapons.

Mr Sanghluna said his plans also include dividing Mizoram into three tourism circuits around Aizawl, Lunglei on National Highway 54, and Champhai on the bordering area with Myanmar.

The Centre has decided to allot about 20 crore for developing tourism infrastructure in the proposed circuits.

''The funds will be utilised for setting up the region's first aero-sports project in the capital city,'' he said adding that the state government has sought funds from the Centre to set up a flying club, where a 14-seater plane will offer tourists an aerial views of the town.

A number of tourist lodges and resorts would also be privatised in a bid to provide improved facilites as par with the international standards, he said.

UNI