13th day of Sikkim Chief Minister's village to village tour

Tashiding,11th June: (IPR) The second day of West District and the 13th day of village to village tour of the Chief Minister started with the offering of prayers at a Mandir at Tashiding followed by laying of foundation stone of Block Administrative Centre, Chongrang and Kishan Bazar at Chongrang. The BAC so established will cater the need of the people of six Gram Panchayat Units viz. Arithang Chongrang, Tashiding, Gerethang, Karji Mangnam, Dhupidara Narkhola and Kongri Labdang. The entire complex is being constructed at the estimated cost of 7.94 crore. The school committee of Tashiding Sr. Secondary School also felicitated the Chief Minister on the occasion.

Addressing the public gathering at various places the Chief Minister talking about the policy of power decentralization and devolution to the people said that though the government has taken various steps to decentralize power to the grass root level but the people are not able to take the benefit of it. The people and the panchayat should be empowered to take the utmost benefit from it, he said. Talking about the education in the state the Chief Minister said that collective responsibility has to be taken to improve the education system in the state. Education family consists of students, teachers, parents, officers in the department, businessmen, politicians and the civil society; he said and added that unless all the stake holders taken their responsibility honestly education system in the state shall not improve. The Chief Minister also expressed his dissatisfaction over the 25 model houses constructed at Middle Chongrang out of which only three are being utilized and the rest twenty two houses are still left unutilized. Terming these houses as “White Elephants”, he directed the concerned department to make use of these houses for the benefit of the local people immediately.

The Chief Minister directed the officer’s accompanying him to take note of the demands of the people, see the feasibility of the demands, do the survey works of the projects demanded, acquire land if required, prepare the DPR of the projects and submit it to the government. The Chief Minister also cautioned the subject holder contractors not to sublet the contractual works to the outsiders.
The Chief Minister talking about the various demands of the public said that the government has decided to construct the ropeway at Phamrong Falls to promote the tourism potentiality of the area. Referring to the demands he announced to open a degree college at Gyalshing and directed the concerned department to immediately start the college from a rented house from the month of June itself. He also said that the demands of the people submitted to the government shall be sanctioned on the basis of the need of the people but not on the interest of the contractors. The Chief Minister also declared that the salary of the ASHA and ICDS workers shall be hiked in the next three years.

At Pelling ground the Chief Minister interacted with the students of Pelling Sr. Sec. School. The students of the school during the interaction appraised the Chief Minister about the poor condition of the hostel facilities, laboratory equipments and infrastructure in the school. They also informed him about the non availability of teachers of various subjects. The Chief Minister in turn assured the students that in tune with the policy of the state government all the facilities required by the students for education purpose will be fulfilled and directed the department officials to take note of the problems faced by the students and take corrective measures immediately.

During the day long tour the Chief Minister addressed the people of Gerethang, Arithang, Chongang, Tingting, Mangsabong, Thingling, Tathang, Melli, Khechupuri, Rimbi, Darap, Pelling and adjoining areas

USA promotes Sikkim as an eco-tourism destination

Gangtok, May 13 (PTI) The US would promote Sikkim as a popular eco-tourism destination among Americans, Vice-Consul Jack F Pan said today.

"The USA can help Sikkim in capacity building of tourist guides," Pan told reporters here.

He said the US gave great thrust on the issue of mutual cooperation with Indian states like Sikkim in the field of tourism, particularly eco-tourism.

Pan, in charge of visa processing at the consulate in Kolkata, also explained the procedures to members of the local travel body at an interactive session earlier during the day.

Namchi Mahotsav for tourists from November 2 in Sikkim

Namchi,October30: Namchi is all set to host the annual Namchi Mahotsav from November 2nd,2009 .The three days tourist festival will take place at Bhaichung Stadium of Namchi.

Namchi, district headquarters of South Sikkim is the destination for thousands of tourists who come here in October each year for the annual Namchi Mahotsav, a unique festival showcasing the traditional culture of Sikkim.

Stalls of ethnic handloom and handicrafts are put up along with traditional houses of the three indigenous communities. Marriage rituals of the three are also enacted for the benefit of tourists. Food is the big draw at the Mahotsav with stalls serving authentic ethnic food of ten communities. Open air day programmes are held at the town square over the five afternoons with artists from the state and outside entertaining the audience with special performances. Evening programmes include fashion shows, music and dances.
This year,'Kutumba' a music band from Nepal which is purely based on instrumental will perform along with the local bands and artists.The Mahotsav will also feature performance of Darjeeling carnival with participations of locals as well. According to the organisers, Sikkim Heli Service will be roped in for the interested persons to have an aerial view of Samdruptse and Solophok from November 1 to 5. Rupees 1000/- per head will be charged for the same,it is informed.The arrangement for the heli-service from Gangtok to Bagdogra and back via Namchi will fly on these five days. Interestingly, 'Kite-Show' will also be held at Assangthang Helipad from 8.30am on November 3.The flower show especially on Chrysanthemum will be integral  part of the Namchi Mahotsav.The organisers also inormed that Lingey Ping will be additional attractive.

International Rhododendron Fest in Lachung in 2010

GANGTOK, October 9: The State Forest and Tourism Minister Bhim Dhungel today sanctioned a Harvest Water Tank for Yumthang bungalow and also directed the department for the renovation of Yumthang Hot Spring as part of the various activities taken up for the International Rhododendron Festival 2010 to be held at Lachung in North Sikkim in May 2010
During the inspection of various activities and discussion related with the ensuing rhododendron festival held today, Mr. Dhungel said the festival is not only for domestic but a global initiative. The minister also informed that special guests from International Rhododendron Society like USA, Canada, UK, Switzerland, Nepal and Bhutan will be participating in the International Rhododendron Festival 2010.
Mr. Dhungel was accompanied by Hissey Lachungpa (Political Advisor to CM), Secretary Tourism SBS Bhadauria, Secretary Forest ST Lachungpa, Chief Conservative of Forest Chezum Lachungpa, Chairman STDC Nim Tshering Lepcha, SDM Chungthang Tashi Chopel, representatives from TAAS, Pipons of Lachung and other dignitaries.
During the discussion, Mr. Hissey Lachungpa stressed that at least the accommodation for 100 car parking facility should be constructed at Yumthang and also informed that the Department should form a committee to look after it.
The secretary tourism from his part suggested that garbage should not be disposed at Yumthang valley and informed the department to dispose it in some other places. Regarding the renovation of Yumthang Bungalow he said that the Bungalow should look like a traditional structure.
During his two days visit, the minister visited Yumthang valley where he had a discussion with the various committee members. He also visited different tourist spots in North Sikkim like Khangchendzonga Eco Tourism Park at Naga, Rock climbing at Mangan, butterfly park at Rangrang, Thingchim Lake and the Bio Engineering Work and Soil and Moisture Conservation at Rangrang slides.
The next meeting regarding the festival is slated for October 15 at the Conference Hall of Forest Secretariat, adds a press release.

Govt to put curbs on the number of tourists visiting the Himalayas

New Delhi: The government could soon place curbs on the number of tourists visiting the Himalayas. The Union ministry for environment and forests has come out with a set of guidelines to restrict tourist flow (pilgrims included) and make hill stations less crammed and dirty.
The impact of tourism on mountain ecosystems and biological resources are of great concern because of the high biodiversity and environmental sensitivity of the Himalayas. The guidelines, will discuss urbanisation, tourism, water security, energy, forest management and infrastructure to address the challenges facing the Himalayan region. It is part of one of the eight missions in National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) which envisages, among other things, a National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem.

Minister of state for environment and forests, Jairam Ramesh, said that there were "valuable lessons in this document that need to be mainstreamed". Since these aspects come under the states' purview, Ramesh said it is a working document meant to guide governments on what is to be done.

The aim is to promote "sustainable tourism through adoption of 'best practice' norms of eco-friendly and responsible tourism", as stated in National Environment Policy. It seeks to implement measures to regulate tourist flow and ensure that these remain within the carrying capacity of the ecology.

The document notes the adverse effects of expansion in urban settlements -- visitors, trekkers and mountaineers have posed high biotic pressure and increased the accumulation of solid waste on the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). The report notes the attempts made to address these issues in some parts of IHR and recommends they be replicated in other areas as well. Pilgrim traffic finds special mention.

The Himalayas host a number of religious/sacred sites which get millions of tourists each year. Most of these places lack adequate transport accommodation and waste disposal facilities.

In some cases, initiatives have been taken to promote sustainable tourism. For example, the Uttarakhand government has restricted the number of tourists visiting the origin of the Ganga to 150 per day.

Cultural identities are also under threat "by the economic, social and environmental forces associated with mountain tourism", the report observes.

In spite of Sikkim's effortsto place checks on tourists, tourism has grown rapidly (from nearly 15,000 tourists in 1980 to 3,50,000 in 2007 ) in the state. The report suggests that Sikkim's initiatives could be emulated by those interested in promoting responsible tourism.

Sikkim to celebrate 2010 as Year of Tourism

Gangtok, Sep30: A tentative blueprint has been charted by the Sikkim Tourism Department to have year-round activities for its most ambitious project, `2010 - Year of Tourism'.

Thirteen tourism festivals have been proposed from 2010 to February 2011. The State Government has already declared last year that the year 2010 will be celebrated as the `Year of Tourism' with an objective to reinforce the image of Sikkim as a premier tourism destination besides strengthening the village tourism in the State.

The Government is also seeking to have a 30 per cent increase in the tourism inflow during the `Year of Tourism 2010' celebrations. Around five lakh tourists have visited Sikkim in 2008-09.

SLOGAN

With this objective in mind, the State tourism department is presently engaged in coining an appropriate slogan for the upcoming Year of Tourism, to be used as a brand name for the tourism campaign.

SERVICE PROVIDERS

The advance action plans being mulled are finalising service providers for publicity, market and publishing publicity materials. Meetings and action plans with all the stakeholders such as Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS), Sikkim Association of Adventure Tour Operators (SAATO), Sikkim Hotel Restaurants Association, transport agencies and village tourism development committees will also be held.

The other plans are publishing Sikkim tourism bulletin, State tourism master plan along with Uttarey master plan, State tourism policy, garbage bags distribution and management besides management of Saramsa garden along with permanent traditional food stalls, handicraft stalls, flower stalls and cultural programmes.

Strengthening of accommodation, hotels, home stays and village tourism along with all tourism related services are included in the plan.

The State Government is keen to enforce discipline in overall tourism sector here during celebrations.

FESTIVALS

The draft plan has proposed that the year of tourism will kickstart from March-April with `Sikkim Discover Festival' followed by Rabong Discover tourism festival, Aritar tourism festival and Temi- Tarku Ram Navami festival.

The month of May will see the hosting of International Rhododendron Festival (IRF) 2010 at Shingba Lachung in North Sikkim and Varsey in West Sikkim.

The rhododendron festival has been proposed to be held from May 3 to 20. In this month, the Hee-Bermoik Cultural Heritage Festival in West Sikkim will also be held.

The `World Environment Day' which falls on June 5 will be celebrated in a grand manner. The rainy July will see plantation drives in all the tourist destinations of the State. Tourists will also be encouraged to plant saplings in the tourist destinations. Conferences, workshops, seminars and meetings will also be conducted.

A monsoon festival will be held on August 5 at Tharpu in West Sikkim.

In September, the department is proposing to have a two day `World Tourism Day' celebrations where eco-adventure, camping, village tourism and home stay activities will be organised.

The festival month of October will have two more festivals. The department has proposed to celebrate the Dusherra festival while Namchi Mahotsava in South Sikkim will also be conducted in this month.

November will have conferences, workshops, seminars and meetings on tourism related themes. Three tourism festivals have been included in December - Mangan Music Festival in North Sikkim, Khangchendzonga Festival at Pelling, West Sikkim and Gangtok Winter Festival.

The 2010 year will be signed off with a grand New Year celebration in January 2011 followed by Maghey Sankranti Mela at Jorethang in South Sikkim. A tourism festival at Yuksom in the West District is proposed inFebruary 2011 while a State flower show at White Hall complex in Gangtok has been proposed in March 2011, thereby, bringing down the curtains on the Year of Tourism