IMPHAL: The Manipur Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, on October 22 approved the resumption of helicopter services to remote areas, declared Loktak Day a state festival and cleared a proposal allowing eligible newspaper printing presses to seek approval to use a limited area of contiguous paddy land.

The decision to resume helicopter services is expected to improve connectivity to remote parts of the state, where difficult terrain and transport challenges often affect the movement of people.

In another key decision, the Cabinet declared Loktak Day a state festival, recognising the importance of Loktak Lake, a major natural and cultural landmark of Manipur.

The Cabinet also permitted eligible newspaper printing presses to apply for approval to use a limited area of contiguous paddy land. The move is aimed at addressing the land-related requirements of qualifying printing establishments, subject to the applicable conditions and approval process.

The decisions were taken at the Cabinet meeting on October 22 as the state government considered measures relating to connectivity, cultural heritage and the newspaper printing sector.