World will call their scenic destinations ‘Sikkim of the West’: DoNER min

Guwahati: Union Minister for Culture, Tourism And Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) G. Kishan Reddy has said that a day would come when people of the world would call their scenic destinations ‘Sikkim of the West’.

“Rather than calling Sikkim as the ‘Switzerland of the East’, I truly believe that a day would come, when people of the world would call their scenic destinations as ‘Sikkim of the West,” Reddy said.

The minister said this during the ‘47th Statehood Day of Sikkim’ Celebrations in New Delhi in the august presence of Governor of Sikkim Ganga Prasad and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.

Reddy urged the travellers and tourists to visit some of the popular parts of Sikkim such as the world heritage site of Kanchendzonga National Park, the peaceful and scenic Teesta River, the beautiful Gurudongmar lake, which is the highest lakes in the world,  Zuluk, Lachung, Lachen and Yumthang Valley etc.

Extending his heartfelt greetings to the distinguished audience, Reddy said that the grand Himalayan state had carved a space for itself in various sectors and ranks among the fastest growing states in India.

“Sikkim must also rise on the map for investors. Given the huge potential in tourism, agriculture, livestock, etc., we need to showcase these strengths to the world and become global leaders,” the minister said. He also assured of every possible support from the central government and said that state governments and centre would work together hand in hand for the development of the entire northeastern region.

Reddy requested the Sikkim government to identify all the key issues to be raised during the task force meetings and make the best possible use of it.

The minister informed that in the coming next month, a two-day workshop will be held with all the chief ministers and chief secretaries to discuss the important issues pertaining to development of the region.

In Sikkim, two ropeway projects in West Sikkim and South Sikkim worth Rs 122 crores have been sanctioned for gap-funding in the first phase of the scheme. This would provide a major boost to tourism in the region.

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