29th day of Sikkim Chief Minister's village to village tour

Gangtok: “The Nathula Trade route is just the beginning of the development process. Widening of the road is in progress and I have a dream of bringing one lakh tourists to Tshangu lake”, Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling said this at a public function organized at Tshangu lake premises Thursday on his 29th day of village to village tour.

Stressing on the tourism development Chief Minister sanctioned Primary Health centre at Tshangu which will be both for the local people and the tourists, he said. In order to develop infrastructure in tourism sector Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said that way side amenities on both side of the road from Gangtok to Nathula will be created. In this context the Chief Minister directed the Forest Department to process for forest clearance of areas on both side of the roadside from Gangtok to Nathula. “The rules sometimes create obstacle in development process but rules should be used in the interest of the people”, Chief Minister said and directed the Forest Department to search for ways and means and come out with a solution in public interest.

Sikkim Chief Minister’s entourage crossed the highest point of 14000 ft at Sherathang during his tour on the day. At Kupup while declaring many projects for the development of tourism Chief Minister informed the public that Tsangu lake is being developed for boating and fishing purpose. In this regard he urged the public to go for tourism industry as this is an alternative profession for the people. He further said that the problem of land ownership of the Alpine Adventure Park shall be solved by the government. The government will do its best to solve this problem but the people should come forward and adopt the profession of tourism, Chief Minister said.

At Gnathang Chief Minister inaugurated the renovated Dafter bunglow. At Zuluk Dr. Chamling while addressing the gathering assured the public that 60 houses for those who have been staying at roadside will be constructed at another place. The land for the 60 houses has already been allotted by the government, he said.

Talking about the government initiatives for the development of tourism in the state he said that a holistic approach has been adopted by the government for the development of tourism in the state. Further nnouncing another government initiative Chief Minister declared that in order to increase the flow of tourist in Rhenock, Rongli, Phademchen, Zuluk and adjoining areas the government will take a decision to make one way traffic compulsory for the tourists from Gangtok to Rongli and vice versa. This will increase the flow of tourists in these areas, he said.

 (With IPR input)