Manipur Cabinet Approves Resumption of Helicopter Services to Remote Areas
The Yumnam Khemchand Singh-led Cabinet approved a six-month helicopter service arrangement with Pawan Hans, elevated Loktak Day to State Festival status and included eligible newspaper printing presses under public-purpose provisions of the state's paddy land and wetland law.
IMPHAL- The Manipur State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, on Thursday approved the resumption of helicopter services connecting remote and hill areas with Imphal, declared Loktak Day an annual State Festival and revised the public-purpose provisions applicable to eligible newspaper printing presses.
The decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting held at the Chief Minister’s Office at Mantripukhri, according to a government press note issued on October 22.
Helicopter Services to Resume Through Pawan Hans
The Cabinet approved engaging Pawan Hans Limited, a Government of India undertaking, to restore helicopter services in Manipur. The services had been suspended since October 1, 2026.
Under the approved arrangement, one twin-engine helicopter will operate for six months or until a regular operator is selected through a tender process, whichever comes first. The service will have a minimum commitment of 40 flying hours per month.
Also Read- Manipur Conflict: COCOMI Warns of Intensified Agitation from October 31
The proposed arrangement aims to reconnect remote and hill areas with Imphal, providing passenger transport and support for medical emergencies.
According to the press note, the expenditure will be shared with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs under its North East helicopter scheme. If central assistance is unavailable, the state government will bear the cost to ensure continuity of the service.
The resumption is expected to improve connectivity for residents of areas where road journeys can be difficult, particularly when urgent medical travel is required. The press note, however, does not specify the commencement date, routes or passenger fares.
Loktak Day Declared an Annual State Festival
In another decision, the Cabinet declared Loktak Day a State Festival to be celebrated annually on the full-moon day of Mera, also referred to in the press note as Thanil of Mera Tha.
The community tradition began in 1990 at Thanga and celebrates Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, which plays an important role in Manipur’s livelihoods, culture and ecological heritage.
This year’s celebrations will begin on October 26, 2026, at Loktak Lairembi Ground in Thanga and at Komlakhong. The events will be organised by the Loktak Development Authority in association with local clubs.
Also Read- 78 BSF Personnel Hospitalised in Manipur in Suspected Mass Food Poisoning Incident
The programme is expected to include cultural events, traditional sports and conservation activities, with members of the public, students and young people invited to participate.
The annual State Festival designation is intended to give greater recognition to the lake and the cultural traditions associated with it.
Newspaper Printing Presses Added to Public-Purpose Category
The Cabinet also approved including registered and licensed newspaper printing presses equipped with web offset machines in the list of “public purposes” under the Manipur Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2014.
Under the decision, eligible presses may seek permission to use up to 0.62 acre of contiguous paddy land, subject to the other safeguards prescribed under the Act.
Also Read- Manipur Ambush: Three Suspects Arrested, Major Arms Cache Recovered
The government stated that the measure is intended to help larger printing presses relocate from congested residential areas, thereby reducing night-time noise for residents.
The provision does not amount to automatic permission to convert paddy land. Printing presses must meet the specified eligibility requirements and obtain the necessary permissions, while the law’s safeguards for paddy fields and wetlands remain applicable.
Three Decisions Address Different Public Needs
The Cabinet’s decisions cover three distinct areas of public policy: transport connectivity, cultural recognition and newspaper printing infrastructure.
The proposed helicopter arrangement is aimed at improving access between remote areas and Imphal, including for medical emergencies. The elevation of Loktak Day to State Festival status recognises the cultural and ecological significance of Loktak Lake. The printing-press provision seeks to address the operational needs of eligible newspaper publishers while retaining regulatory safeguards for agricultural land and wetlands.
The practical impact of the decisions will depend on implementation, including the restoration of helicopter routes, the organisation of annual Loktak Day celebrations and the processing of applications from qualifying printing presses.
