GANGTOK: The Sikkim Chamber of Commerce lately came to the fore embracing suggestions for Gangtok City Development Plan with special reference to beautification of MG Marg, following studies at length by the Urban Development & Housing Department that conducted plan strategies to provide massive datas on which the government plans to prepare a development plan in making Gangtok a city to be proud of.Seeking to make the plan further comprehensive and beneficial to the residents of Gangtok as well recognising a marked position in the tourism map of India, the Sikkim Chamber of Commerce on 7 May offered a suggestive list addressing the minister for UD&HD DD Bhutia.
The Sikkim Chamber of Commerce proposal includes creation of open space and public amenities taking in space for children, old men, walkers as well for community centres librariers etc. The need for commercial space includes room for the increasing demands of hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, warehouses, transport infrastructure and allied services that are to come up in a big way ensuing the reopening of border trade.
“It is important to state here that rise of economic activities have to be welcomed as they will generate employment and revenue and further improve the GDP of the state. Thus all efforts of the government should be to encourage commercial activity both trade & tourism”, states the Sikkim Chamber of Commerce communiqué.
It also called for integrated residential campuses in Gangtok like that of Siliguri and other places as well earmarking certain localities for development by the private sector on public private partnership basis. “We suggest that the roof tops of the existing car parks could be developed into children parks and/ or terrace gardens to give the city a more eco friendly look amid the ever increasing concrete structures”, suggested the Sikkim Chamber of Commerce.
In a bid to further strengthen the peace initiative and guide the tourists honourably, the need to provide space to the concerned departments for erecting police/ tourist assistance booths at strategic points like Ridge area, Star cinema, location opposite to Tourism Department at MG Marg, Zero Point, White Hall junction, Tashi View point & Ganesh Tok was proposed.
Suggestions was offered for creation of public amenities by NGOs and private entrepreneurs like schools, children parks, amusement parks, recreation centres, theatres, community halls, banquet halls that can be encouraged by providing space on priority.
However, the most unique suggestion came for public transport system embracing rapid transport system like Sky Train from Nam Namg to TNHS complex, along with introduction of shuttle buses between vantage points. The Sikkim Chamber of Commerce also appealed for 24 hours taxi stands with adequate infrastructures like toll free telephone to accommodate 3 to 4 taxis can be set up at M G Road, Baluakhani, Deorali, Tadong and other suitable places
Pointing the need for full fledged nursing home in Gangtok, the Sikkim Chamber of Commerce invited libraries to set up in Gangtok to boost the reading habit among the masses. However, congratulating the UD&HD for smooth garbage collection system in town, suggestions came for outsourcing of garbage collection operations to private entrepreneurs in phases so as to reduce the cost of operation.
As for the beautification of MG Marg, the present system of traffic closure from 5 pm to 8 pm is proposed to be changed to 6 pm to 8 pm. Moreover during rush traffic hours, the same can further be transformed into a touch and go area on the left side and parking be allowed on the right side, thereby enabling the people to come to M G Road without congestion of traffic.
MG Marg, according to Sikkim Chamber of Commerce, also calls for multilevel hydraulic car parking facilities in adjoining areas to ease the pressure in view of space constraints. With more Sulabh setups, the garbage picking system in MG Marg was also pointed that is said to need attention.
“Currently, the skyline of Gangtok town is cris-crossed by cables, electric & telephone wires which give it an ugly look unbecoming of the capital. It is suggested that all cables, electric and telephone lines should be laid underground. Measures to make the city cable less, in so far as possible should be adopted”, adds the Chamber of Commerce’s note.
Inviting at least two corpse carriages for the public in light of the increasing population, suggestions as well came for more over bridges at Ratiram Petrol Pump, GICI crossing and Deorali five ways junction, including subways at junctions like at Nam Nang Assembly crossings and Metro Crossing. Acknowledging pedestrian foot path from Baluakhani to Ranipool, it was recommend that the footpaths needs small breaks regular short distances to give way to the overflowing monsoon water.
“The opening of Nathula will bring immense economic benefits to Sikkim. The rise in the economic activity will have a dramatic effect on the total volume of business and non business activity in Gangtok area. Thus the pressure of more people, more activity will result in demand for more space. The plan has already accepted this fact and as the business unfolds at Nathula, more and more space needs to be created”, it was proposed
