IMPHAL, July 8: Manipur Forests and Environment Minister Th Debendra today said the government had identified 29 villages in reserved forest areas of the State where encroachment was reported and 2,799 houses were constructed in the areas. During the question Hour, the Minister informed the Assembly that the area covered by the encroachers was 696.25 hectares. Minister of Horticulture and Soil Conservation Phungzathang Tonsing informed that the government had taken up river valley projects in Senapati and Ukhrul districts. In 2007-08 Rs 4.53 crore was sanctioned while Rs 4.30 crore was allocated for 2008-09. The Minister said under technology mission for integrated development of horticulture various programmes were taken up. (Agencies)