JICA discussed a proposed community-based watershed development project with Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, seeking support for the Japan-funded initiative.
Imphal, June 29: A delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Monday met Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho at the Civil Secretariat in Mantripukhri to discuss a proposed externally aided project aimed at strengthening community-based watershed development and rural livelihoods across the state.
The delegation briefed the Deputy Chief Minister on the proposed Japan-funded project, titled "Enhancing Livelihoods through Community Based Watershed Development in Manipur," which is currently under formulation and is expected to be financed by JICA as an Externally Aided Project (EAP).
The JICA delegation comprised Eiji Wakamatsu, Senior Representative; Nishihara Ryosuke, Representative; and Nishtha Vengurlekar, Development Specialist.
During the meeting, Eiji Wakamatsu outlined the objectives of the proposed initiative and said JICA has already implemented similar watershed development projects in Nagaland, Tripura and Meghalaya, while a comparable project in Mizoram is presently under appraisal.
He also referred to the long-standing relationship between Japan and Manipur, expressing JICA's interest in sharing Japan's experience in community-based watershed management with the state. Wakamatsu stressed the importance of building a strong partnership and sought the Manipur government's support for the successful implementation of the proposed project.
Responding to the presentation, Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho welcomed the proposal and acknowledged its objectives and potential benefits. He noted that the project is planned to cover all districts of Manipur and said it could contribute to improving livelihoods through community participation in watershed development.
Dikho also pointed out that many youths from Manipur are currently employed or undergoing training in Japan, describing it as another example of the growing ties between the two sides.
Reaffirming the state's commitment to the initiative, the Deputy Chief Minister assured the JICA delegation of the Manipur government's full cooperation and necessary assistance during the implementation of the proposed project.
The meeting was also attended by Additional Chief Secretary (TCI) and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force Anurag Bajpai, Principal Secretary of Forest, Environment and Climate Change/Works Arun Kumar Sinha, along with other senior officials of the department.
