- Workshop push to tourism and job More....
- Music mania at Mangan More....
- Lochar at Charkhola More....
- Yellow Hammer hits the right note at Mangan Music Festival More....
- TAAS takes tourism training task down south. More....
- Dozen more to climb More....
- Aritar has the spots, some improved amenities and it will burst forth on the tourism scene. More....
- Lepchas band together to make Cultural Research More....
- Kalimpong is raring to eco, with governmental support, it could succeed. More....
- TAAS –trained south Sikkim agents confident of offering better services More....
- The truth about why Gangtok is at risk and what needs to be done. More....
- Clubs eager to bite tourism pie More....
- Chamling gets Centre’s world on air route More....
- Peak call prompts agreement More....
- Norbula pushes for horticulture development in the Hills. More....
- Barua heads for hills More....
- Enter, niche tourism More....
- Lesson in jungle laws More....
- Dancing Pandas floor Shiv Shanka More....
- Camping out in Sikkim More....
- Kid camp kicks off More....
Workshop push to tourism and job
Namchi (South Sikkim)
Jan. 2: Generating employment and giving tourists more reason to visit the
hill state.
That was what the four-day
tourism entrepreneurship programme, which began at Namchi toady, is looking
to achieve.
The event, organised by Travel Agents’
Association of Sikkim (TAAS), touched upon the importance of identification
of more tourist destinations, professionalism in hospitality services,
conducted tours and treks, rock climning techniques and first aid on the
first day. Sikkim tourism and South Sikkim Tourism Development Society have
collaborated with TAAS to make the programme a success.
Tourism minister R. B. Subba was the chief
guest at the inaugural ceremony held at Community Hall. TAAS general
secretary Surendra K. Pradhan said: “We want to encourage the
educated unemployed youths of the South and West District to benefit from
tourism and help the industry grow.”
The organizers, said TAAS president Palzor
Lachungpa, had requested members of the legislative Assembly to send in
participants from their respective constituencies. Tourism
bodies within the state were also made a similar request. Resource
persons from Nepal Mountaineering Association, Indian Association of Tour
Operators, Sikkim Mountaineering Association and Institute of Hotel
Management, Gangtok, were also invited.
Source: The Telegraph
Dated: 3rd January 2005.
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Gangtok, Jan 2: Sikkim’s very own Woodstock
rocked to a tumultuous close on New Year’s eve
The Mangan Music
Festival, a three-day extravaganza featuring music and dance, was a huge
success for the second year running. Large crowds thronged the
festival to listen to the region’s finest bands compete for a Rs 50,000 cash
prize for the winter.
And finally after hours of blues, rock and
metal, Darjeeling band Yellow Hammer pummeled its way to the top, winning
the first prize and the audience’s heart. In fact, Darjeeling bands had a
field day at the fest, with another band from the Queen of the Hills, Mary
Jane, picking up the runners-up prize.
Sikkim acts also showed great potential,
with home-town rockers Hurricane sharing third place with their Namchi
counterparts, Mukti. The music, however, did not stop with the
contest. Shillong-based Soulmate, a band comprising some of the
best-known musicians of the Noartheast, later regaled the audience with a
dose of blues, soul and rock, deftly mixing tradition with originality. If
music was the mainstay of the festival, dance was not for behind in adding a
touch of glamour to the event. Troupes
from various parts of the hills took the stage to deliver carefully
choreographed sets in an effort to clinch the crown at the Boogie-Woogie
contest. Kalimpong trope Sumian Aerobics walked away with the top honours,
and much to the thrill of the audience, local groups spicy Girls and Faith
Icons were placed second and third.
The Music-hungry audience then danced
its way into the New Year with a local DJ spinning out a non-stop diet of
dance music in every style conceivable. For the tiny town of Mangan, the
success of the festival was a major milestone.
Source: The Telegraph
Dated: 3rd January 2005.
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Lochar at Charkhola
Charkhol, Kalimpong : As thousands of prayer
lamps were lit around the Ugen Pema Cheoling Monastery, marking the
onset of a new “Lo” [year] for the Gurung community here on 31 December,
fun and festivity gripped the atmosphere in this hamlet nestled amidst
bounfitul nature. The Gurungs from in an around the
sub-division gathered here at Charkhola, about 76 kms from Kalimpong to
celebrated “Lo-char”, welcoming the year of the bird and bidding farewell to
Taholo or the Year of the Monkey. The three-day celebration, which
kicked-off from 29 December ended today with the traditional, “Bhai Tika”.
Prayers by the monks of the
monastery began on the midnight of 29 December, and Charkhola was set alive
as various cultural and traditional shows organized by the Tamu Chog Dhi or
the Gurung Kalyan Sangathan [GKS] took centrestage. Besides Chokpa, a prayer
for Guru Rinpohce, the monks also offered Barolo Abishek and various other
prayers. “We have also set-up Lumdhar’s [five coloured prayer flags] besides
lighting 108 lmps around the, Gompa,” said the head monk, Lma
Sonam Tsheing Tamu.
“We have offered prayers for the welfare of
the society as also for the universe,” Lama Tamu added. Adding further
glamour to the celebrations were the various cultural sections under taken
by the Rodhi’s, an association of Gurung youth? Among the various
ghatus [dances] performed were the Kaura and Sorathi. “We are really
happy and grateful that the many Gurungs form the surrounding hilly terrains
of Nimbong, Pabringtar, Chuikim, Sikkim as well as from the plains of Rongo
have taken the effort the attended this gathering,” Kamal Singh Gurung
president of the Charkhol unit of GKS said.
“Besides celebrating our traditional new
year, we are also concentrating on the preservation of our heritage and
culture,” a students, Raksha Gurung [16] said.
Echoing her stand, various seniors added
that the gathering would be organised in an even grander manner next year.
Source: Now.
Dated: 3rd January 2005.
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Yellow Hammer hits the right note at Mangan Music Festival
MANGAN, 02 Jan: After regaling the
Mangan Musical Festival at Mangan for three days on the trot, it was time to
select the best bands of the show. Darjeeling proved their
musical mettle with Yellow Hammer from the Queen of the Hills makdin
off with the lavish first prize of Rs. 50,000. Mary Jane rockers from
Namchi bagged the second prize whereas third prize was shared by Huricane
of Mangan and Mukti of Namchi.
Out of the twelve rock bands which participated
in the Fest, seven reached the finals. Brahmastra, E. Avenue and
Moon shines were the other bands which qualified for the final round.
In another events, Sumi Aerobics of
Kalimpong was adjudged the best in the Boogie Woogie contest, followed by
Spicy Girls and Faith Icons of Mangan taking the second and third place
respectively. A consolation prize was awarded to Reshmi Pradhan.Yellow
Hammer, led by Passang Lama as lead vocalist succeeded in winning the hearts
of judges comprising of B. Chettri, Karma Loday, Surja Rai and DL
Chhetri as well as the audience. Entertainment continued with performances
by the Hungama Group from Darjeeling which was accompanied by Rebbeca and
Lhamu Bhutia performing from their latest album Manai ta ho. The Mangan
Music Festival was inaugurated on 29th December by the Tourism
Minister, RB Subba. In his address, the Minister announced a New Year
gift for North Sikkim when he shared the Chief Minister’s clearance to
the proposal that inner-line permits for travels further north by tourists
be hence forth issued from the DC North’s office itself.
Source: Now.
Dated: 3rd January 2005.
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TAAS takes tourism training task down south.
Namchi, 02 Jan: A four-day tourism
entrepreneurship training camp was inaugurated today at Namchi Senior
Secondary School premises by Law, Tourism,. Industry and
Parliamentary Affairs Minister, RB Subba. The Agents Association
of Sikkim [TAAS] in collaboration with Sikkim tourism, and is
supported by south Sikkim tourism Development Corporation.
The inaugural programme began
with a welcome speech by the TAAS general secretary followed by an address
by its pants from Gangtok, Rhenock, and Pakyong from the East
district: Kewzing, Ravangla, Namchi, Saddam and Turuk from south
District: Dzongu, Lachen and Lachung from North district and
Uttarey, Geyzing, Yuksom and Pelling from West and participating in this
training camp.
The Tourism Minister, in
his address, said that the State Government could not accommodate all
educated unemployed of the State in its ranks and added that this situation
notwithstanding, there were ample opportunities for the talented youth of
the State to make use of their education in the service sectors, of which
tourism was one. Such camps, he observed helped in directing the energies of
the local youth towards the growing potential and requirements of the
tourism sector in the State.
Along with moderating
group discussions, the resource persons will deliver lectures on various
aspects of tourism. The participants will be briefed on tourism
related topics by experts from Belgium and Nepal Mountaineering Association,
apart from the leading travel and trek operators from the State and
departmental officials. Speaking to NOW! Participants from the South
District expressed their gratitude towards TAAS for organizing the camp at
Namchi. Other participants were thankful to TAAS for the opportunity
to learn more about the various aspects of tourism. Secretary
Tourism, DC South, Zilla Adhyakshya [South], Advisor,
Sikkim Tourism Board, and Chairperson STDC also addressed the inaugural
programme along with members of South Sikkim Tourism Development Society.
Source: Now
Dated: 3rd January 2005.
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Gangtok,
Jan. 3. Mountaineers now have 12 more peaks to choose from.
Looking for ways to
boost tourism, the Sikkim government has decided to open peaks, other than
those considered sacred, within the state for climbing from the next tourist
season. State tourism minister R. B. Subba made the announcement a few days
ago at Mangan, the North district headquarters, while inaugurating a music
festival there. Subba said: “When I visited Europe for the World Tourism
Meet recently, there were a lot of enquiries on mountaineering. During
our presentation in London, Paris, Milan and Rome, tour operators said many
mountaineers wish to come to Sikkim.
The state government notification prohibiting climbs on
Kanchenjunga (8,585m) considered the guardian deity of Sikkim, and Siniolchu
(6,887), Kabru (North) (7,388m), Rathong (6,679), and Mount Narsing
(5,825) remains effective.
Even for the peaks that have been
opened for climbing, the minister said mountaineers would “not be allowed to
cross 20,000 feet”. “On another front, the district collector (north)
has been empowered to issue inner-line permits to domestic tourists going
beyond Singhik in north Sikki,” Subba said.
The development means that tourists
can bow go beyond Singhik to Yumthang, Lachung and Gurudogmar for
which permits were earlier issued by the Sikkim tourism offices in
consultation with the state home department. Subba said the government
would appeal to the Union home ministry to allow foreigners up to
Gurudongmar lake, near the Chinese border. “We are also thinking aboutlike
skiing in Gnathang, east Sikkim,” Subba said. “We will study the amount of
snow that is deposideted there during winter before taking a decision,” he
added.
Source
: The Telegraph
Dated: 4th January 2005.
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Aritar has the spots, some improved amenities and it will burst forth on the tourism scene.
Rhenock, 03 Jan: Though much has been done to develop Aritar as a tourist spot, including the inauguration of boating on the artificial lake here last year, the locals feel that much more needs to be done if the place is to develop as a full-fledged tourist spot.
For the development of an artificial lake here, better known as Aritar
Lam Pokhari, the State Government has sanctioned Rs. 1.5 crore in
1995. After the project was completed and formally inaugurated as a
tourist spot on 22 November 2004, and average of 10 vehicles carrying
tourists visit the spot every day. The number of visiting tourists
increased significantly during Losoong and Christmas, with more than 1,000
tourist visiting the spot everyday.
However, chances
for tourism-related business in the area are still slim as the visitors,
after spending a few hours here, head back towards other areas due to lack
of lodging and other amenities here. Though a few shops have
been opened in the area by the locals, the people here of the opinion that
more development of infrastructure is a must if tourism is to bloom in the
area. Infrastructure has to be developed in such a way that visitors feel
drawn to halting here for a couple of days and not just visit the area for a
few hours, they say.
At present, there are
five boats, including one two-seater, tow each of four and seven seater
boats, for the entertainment of the tourists. The fares for a half-an-hour
ride have been fixed at Rs. 30, 50 and 70 respectively.
If the right infrastructure is
provided, it will not be difficult to hold tourists back for longer at
Aritar. The place is not only famous for its Lam Pokhari, but is also
surrounded by a viewpoint called Manghim Dara from where one can view the
Khangchendzonga range in all its glory. If one wishes for a trek,
there is a trekking route up to Rachela, a village on the Indo-Bhutan
border.
The Pokhari, which has to be
the focal point of all tourism related initiatives here, is also famous for
the religious sentiments attached to it. The elderly people of the
locality relate and only myth according to which a goddess resided in the
lake in the days of antiquity. However, the increasing pollution in
the area surrounding the lake caused to abandon the lake in anger.
After her departure, the lake was destroyed by tremors and landslide and
slowly it dried up. This legend, the locals believe, contributes to the
cleanliness around the lake as people who visit the spot do not dare
dirtying the area.
It is also because of its
sacred identity that the lake received a huge number of pilgrims during
Janmasthami. However, it has also been learnt that the artificial water
source to the lake is not sufficient.
At present, Tourism
Developmental ogranisation, has been deployed as the caretaker of this
tourist spot located about 5 kms away from Rhenock Bazar.
Source: Now.
Dated: 4th January 2005.
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Lepchas band together to make Cultural Research Centre a respository of community’s roots.
Gangtok, 03. Jan: After the
announcement of the construction of a Lepcha Cultural Research Centre and
Rakdong Tar under Rakdong-Tintek constituency in Eat Sikkim by the
Chief Minister at Loosong Celebration in Namprikdang, North Sikkim in
December, various Lepcha organizations under the guidance of Narzang
lepcha, Rakdong-Tintek area MLA-cum-Chairman, Khadi & Village
Industries Board, have now geared up to utilize the Centre to
preserve the history, culture and tradition of the indigenous Lepcha tribe.
According to Mr. Lepcha, the Centre
will also be utilized as the museum-cum-archive in which belongings of
Lepcha rulers will be kept.
“Some NGOs have been deployed for the collection
of such antiquities,” he said. Mr. Lepcha revealed
adding that the entire Lepcha community was grateful to the Chief Minster,
“as he is the only leader who has taken a step to revive the vanishing
history of the Lepchas.”
Source: - Now
Dated: 4th January 2005.
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Kalimpong is raring to eco, with governmental support, it could succeed.
Kalimpong, 05 January: In the years to come, Kalimpong will become a big feast for tourists. The mindful citizens are now pushing forth for the promotion of Kalimpong and up-grading it, in collaboration with the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation [WBFDC] to make it more appealing for tourists.
This initiative covers the whole of Kalimpong sub-division, right from
thehilly terrains of Algarah to the distant plains of Noan, Gorubathan and
Jaldakha.
Among the series of such initiatives,
the Kobra Brothers, a club of Algarah, 20 kms from Kalimpong, inaugurated a
new trekking route in September. The route explored by this local club
starts from Algarah [5,800 ft] ending at Jhandhidara [6,800 ft], which
offers one of the best views of Kanchanjunga and the Himalayan range.
This move of the Kobra Brothers is now supported by the WBFDC.
It was also learnt that the WBFDC will soon
initiate a project at Rishyab, a spot near Lava. “Practically the
whole of the Himalayan range, including Kanchanjunga, the Jelep-La and
Nathula Pass can be seen from Rishyab,” Informs a local. There
is also Sample Dara [a park from the colonial days which possesses
rare species of plants and trees] and the Damsang Fort [fortress of the last
Lepcha king, Gyaboo Achuk].
Similarly, Noam range 90 kms away,
possesses magnificent trekking trails like Letchi and Fagu. Noam is
also known for Ramthi, a rock climbing spot and sunrise point between
Suntaley and Fagu. “Various clubs have approached me, requesting for the
promotion of Noam as a tourists spots. We will certainly do something,
provided it clicks,” Gopal Lama, the range managers of Noam said.
“Paren in Jaldakha, 125 kms away will also grow as a popular site owing to
its scenic beauty,” he added. In the same manner, Concerto, the
oldest club of Gorubathan, has also submitted a requisition to the DM for
the setting up of infrastructure for eco-tourism. “The beautiful sites
and scenery of Gorubathan are unparalleled in comparison to other places,”
Prasad Rai, secretary of the club said adding. “But the place hasn’t been
bale to attract tourist due to the non-existence of basic infrastructure
such as lodges, parks etc.” Notably, there are places of interest such as
the Paanch Pokhari [of mythological significancel and the historic fort of
Dalim Gari, besides various trekking routes and viewpoints, which could be
promoted better. With the locals keen on attracting tourists, it is now up
to the government officials whether they can deliver on their role as
facilitators.
Source: Now
Dated: 6th January 2004.
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TAAS –trained south Sikkim agents confident of offering better services now
Namchi, 05 January : The 4-day tourism
entrepreneurship development training programme concluded here today
at Namchi Government SS School premises. The training, which began on 02
Janaury, was organized by TAAS in collaboration with Sikkim Tourism with the
support of south Sikkim Tourism Development Society [SSTDS].
K.N. Rai, Minister of RM & DD
was the chief guest at the valedictory function today which was also
attended by the Tourism Minister RB Subba, the STDC Chairperson, Manita
Managar, Jt. Secretary, Tourism SK Pradhan, noted
mountaineer and President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association,
Ong Tsheing sherpa, Parsis Lepcha from Asian Trek Nepal, Neco
Smeeth from Belgium, DC [South] Vishal Chuhan and other departmental
officials of south district.
The participants, when invited
to share their experiences, thanked TAAS and Sikkim tourism for
providing them with such training and expressed their hope that from
what they had learned, they could now contribute something for the
development of tourism in the State.
The huge
participation of the youth and panchayats of the region were ample proof
that the locals too are eager to promote tourism in Sikkim.
While addressing
the participants, the Tourism Minister urged them to take up tourism as a
profession and display professionalism in all their dealings. He also
suggested that South Sikkim Tourism Development Society should start a
travel agency at Namchi at the earliest.
The
STDC Chairperson, Ms. Mangar, in turn urged the participants to remain
well-versed in local culture and customs since there were the regions
strengths in promoting tourism.
At the training camp,
lectures were delivered on topics ranging from hospitality service to
campsite and garbage management to trek tour and rock climbing to market
fragmentation and significance of Samdruptse.
Today, TAAS also
presented trekking jackets and boots to the Yuksam Tourism Development
Committee and blankets to the Nathula Travel operators.
The TAAS
president, Paljor Lachungpa, assured that the Association was committed to
not only promoting tourism in the State, but also dedicated to insuring
improved professionalism in the sector by providing opportunities for
self-improvement for those interested and involved in the tourism sector in
Sikkim through training programmes such as the one which concluded today.
Source: Now
Dated: 6th January 2004
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The truth about why Gangtok is at risk and what needs to be done.
Geographically speaking, Gangtok, the capital
of Sikkim, sits on the foothills of the Eastern Himalaya on the ridge
of a valley. Nature has been extremely kind to shower bounties on this
small town. It is one of the few clean hill stations of the country.
Although Gangtok is a rich repository of varied geo-environment, yet
human interference has destroyed its landscape, robbed valuable green cover
and created Geohazards.
It has been already
facing a number of problems due to rapid rise in population [60,792 at
present] and it has little scope for infrastructural development for
availability of space. According to a report on the projected
population at Gangtok, we are looking at a population of 1,57,000 by 2010
and 2,12,000 by 2020. All these people in the roughly 15 sq. kms of
the capital city.
Besides, the
buildings and the roads of the town have been constructed on slopes as steep
as 60 to 80 degrees. Ditto for the CC footpaths. The rush for
new constructions to accommodate the increasing population displays a number
of problems – weak structural and constructional techniques, potable water
problems, narrow access passages and stairs, lack of open space and improper
ventilation. The collapse of buildings at 6th Mile and
Development Area in 2004 reminds us of the fragility of ill conceived
constructions.
As Gangtok is
located on a steep ridge, its stability not complemented in the least by the
fact that it lies in an earthquake prone region at an elevation of 1,600
mtrs from the mean sea level, risk from disasters like earthquakes,
landslides and slope failures remain ever-present.
Studies also
show that Gangtok is a part of an active seismic belt. Most tremors
that the earth goes through don’t even get noticed, but nything above 3 on
the Richter scale gets felt on the surface. A big earthquake was
recorded at noon on 20 November 1980. This one measured 6 on the
Richter scale and had its epicenter near Gangtok town. Although
nothing collapsed at the time, the High Court and the Secretariat buildings
develop noticeable cracks. Records further conform that almost 30
earthquakes, ranging in magnitude form 2 to 4 on the Richter scale have
occurred in Gangtok and its surrounding areas in the recent past. Data
available also reveals the recurrence of big earthquakes in intervals of 15
to 20 years.
What makes Gangtok susceptible to earthquakes apart form the fact that the
entire Himalayan belt is earthquake prone is the fact that the entire
Himalayan belt is earthquake prone is the fact that Sikkim fall under the
main Boundary Fault [MBF] and the Main Central Thrust [MCT], which is
considered very dangerous from the tectonic point of view.
On the other hand,
a numbers of landslides have occurred in Sikkim in last 30 years. For
example, the most devastating landslides took place in June 1997 when 38
people lost their lives in Chandmari alone. Similar landslides were
also suffered in Rangpo on 23 July 1993 and Development Area in 1996.
The inherent
dangers of earthquakes and landslides are amplified by deforestation and
soil erosions-by-products of the haphazard growth of high-rise
building in the town. With the best sites already taken up, the poor of the
Gangtok and the new settlers here are forced to construct on steep slopes
and hazardous areas.
In the rush
for urbanization, the geo-environment of Gagntok has nether been given due
consideration in the development and management of Gangtok nor in its master
plan for the future. The understanding of the geo-environment as a
natural system and the process operating in it is necessary to guarantee
better use of the land and its attributes. The role of geo-environment
at a particular place for proper land use is much wider, involving the
evaluation and mitigation of natural and induced hazards. The proper
understanding of the earth’s materials and dynamic process is essential for
comprehending geo-environment of a particular place, especially where large
settlements like Gangtok have come up. It is equally very important to study
various Geohazards in such areas.
It is true that
nobody can stop catastrophic events like the recent Tsunami is South East
Asia. Nature has its own way to balance her resources. But an
accurate and timely prediction and management of hazardous event can save
human lives and limit the losses of economy and social disruption.
Scientists, researchers, academicians, politicians, policymakers have to sit
together to map a blueprint for the same.
As a suggestion,
the Geohazards management strategy for Gangtok can be taken up as
Pre-event Measures [mitigation and preparation for Geohazards during
and immediately after disasters: and Post-disaster measures [rehabilitation
and reconstruction].
Mitigation of
Geohazards usually entails reducing the vulnerability of elements at
risk, modifying the hazard-proneness of the site or changing its
function. For a town like Gangtok, non-structural mitigation measures may be
the only affordable alternatives.
[The writer teaches Geography at Sikkim Govt. College. Tadong]
Source: Now.
Dated: - 6th January 2005
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Clubs eager to bite tourism pie
Kalimpong, Jan. 6: Tourism unlimited.
That is what residents, with some help from the West Bengal Forest
Development Corporation (WBFDC), have planned for visitors this year.
Waking up to the
wonders tourism could work for the uplift of the local economy, all the
local clubs have gone on an overdrive, drawing up proposals to place before
the WBFDC.
“We have been
flooded with proposals from different clubs highlighting the potential of
their areas as tourist destinations. We are trying to help those who
have offered viable propositions,” said WBFDC assistant divisional manager
Norbu T. Bhutia.
Residents of
Algarah, some 20 km from here, Gorubathan and Noam, around 90 km from here
and Paren, about 125 km from here, have asked the corporation to help them
set up lodges, Bhutia said.
And the WBFDC
is walking the talk. Funds have already been sanctioned for building a
lodge in Algarah and the corporation, after considering the tourist inflow
during the winter fest, said it could build more bungalows there.
“We are in the
process of selecting a site for the lodge,” said Bhutia.“Tasks are on with
the authorities of Gorubathan, Noam and Paren for setting up bungalows
there,” he added.
While Algarah has
places of interest like Jhandi Viewpoint and Sample Park and is
close to the historic Damsang Fort, Gorubathan boast of Dalim Fort, Paanch
Pokhari, Chel Khola and Gorubathantar. Noam and Paren, too, are
beautiful places offering breathtaking views and from where several trek
routes begin.
The enthusiasm
shown by the residents to woo tourists has also benefited the areas in other
ways.“Residents have formed groups and taken responsibilities of keeping
their localities clean. Dustbins have been placed all over the area
and club members have begun going around telling residents the importance of
keeping their area clean and the various ways in which they can make
their place more attractive to tourists,” Bhutia said.
Shayam Thapa, the founder-member
of Concetto Club of Gorubathan, said: “We have been promoting our place as a
tourist spot for two years now. The results are beginning to show.
Tourists have started coming in and all of them have enjoyed their stay
here.”
Dated: 7th January 2005.
Source: Now.
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Chamling gets Centre’s world on air route
Jan. 6: Three years after the
foundation was laid for an air route to Sikkim, the Union civil
aviation ministry promised an early clearance of funds that had choked work
on the project at Pakyong, a subdivision 20 km from Gangtok.
According to a communiqué formt he office of the resident commissioner,
Sikkim House, New Delhi, Union minister of civil aviation Praful Patel had
assured chief minister Pawan Chamling of personally pursuing the
matter with the Union defence ministry, finance ministry and the
Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Chamling, who is in
Delhi now, had called on Patel this afternoon to request for an early
resolution of the funds problem that had mainly stalled the work.
The proposal
for the airport had been sanctioned by the former BJP-led National
Democratic Alliance government after which land was acquired and the work
handed over to the AAI by the Sikkim Democratic Front government. The
foundation stone was laid at Pakyong three years ago by then vice-president
Krishana Kant.
The project,
however, bit the dust with the promised funds failing to arrive from the
centre and certain mandatory clearances still pending.
Later when
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s visited the state in 2003, he promised
additional funds for completion of the airport. But with a change in power
at the centre, the clearance of funds was further delayed.
Underscoring
the need for an airport in a state that depended-heavily on tourism,
Chamling also requested the centre to allot a 11 to 13-Seater
helicopter for Sikkim. At present, the state possesses a single
five-seater helicopter that is operated by the Sikkim Tourism Development
Corporation.
“The chief
minister is very happy with the outcome over the past two days.
When we had arrived here just after the New Year, All the ministers were
busy tackling the emergency situation caused by the tsunami. But we
are glad the both our meetings, the one with the deputy chairman of the
Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia yesterday and the one today, went
off well,” Gooroong said.
At yesterday’s meet
with Singh, Sikkim was granted an annual plan outlay of Rs 500 crore, a hike
of Rs.135 crore over last year’s plan.
After the
meeting today, state human resource development minister G.M. Gurung who
also accompanied Chamling to the Capital, claimed that Sikkim would lead the
Northeast in tourism by 2020.
“Despite being one
of the prime tourist spots in the country, the state lacks modern
transport systems like railways and air services, which is the biggest
hindrance to promotion of tourism in the state,” he added.
Earlier in
the morning, the chief minister also called on the Union minister for tribal
affairs P.R. Kundian and invited him to visit Sikkim in April this year. He
has also, in a memorandum to the minister, demanded reservation of seats in
the states Assembly for the Limbu and Tamang communities.
Source: The Telegraph
Dated:
Friday 7th January 2005.
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Peak call prompts agreement
Gangtok, Jan. 9: Sikkim and Nepal are likely
to sign an agreement aimed at promoting the Nepal-Sikkim circuit, which has
the maximum number of mountain ranges in the entire east.
The
development took place at a felicitation ceremony and dinner hosted by
Travel Agents Association president Ang Tshering Sherpa recently.
A memorandum of understanding is also expected to be signed.
“Mountaineering is one of the highest revenue rakers for Nepal and the same
could be done for Sikkim,” Sherpa said.
TAAS president
Palzor Lachungpa said the visit of Sherpa helped expand Sikkim’s plans
for adventure tourism and mountaineering.
“We will sign
a joint initiative forhe growth of this sector with Nepal very soon,” he
said.
Sikkim may also
soon be able to avail of services of MI-17 choppers to visit far-flung areas
in the state. Sikkim tourism minister R.B. Subba said the
proposal would be placed before chief minister Pawan Chamling Soon.
Source: The Telegraph
Dated: 10th January 2005.
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Norbula pushes for horticulture development in the Hills.
Kalimpong, 10 January: Better known as
the “pet project” of both the Prime Minister and the President, Jatropha [a
bio-diesel plant] cultivation is being promoted in the Hills by the
Darjeeling MP, Dawa Norbula. He has also submitted a requisition
to the PM, asking him to initiate the project here.
Known as Kadam
in Nepali, Jatropha is known for its qualities of producing components of
diesel. “The cultivation is highly labour intensive and will lead to a
lot of employment generation,” Mr. Norbula said.
“Place like the
Teesta valley, Gorubathan and Gairibas possess the right contitions for
Jatropha cultivation,” he added.
According to
GC Subba, a doctor in Chemistry, the leftover of the seeds after the
crushing process is a very rich mature. “In relation to the MP’s
memorandum to the PM, I have also been in constant tourch with the Fatropha
cultivators at Coimbatore and they are willing to help us, “Dr. Subba said.
Besides, the MP has
also written for the commercial farming of fruits, vegetables and most
importantly bamboo.
“Through we all
know that bamboo is widely used, many rare bamboo species are slowly
vanishing,” Mr. Norbula added.
He has also
sought for he import and commercial plantation of important exotic species,
financial support to the bamboo growers and the formation of a suitable
agency to serve meaningfully for he development of horticulture, Jatropha
and bamboo cultivation.
Source: Now.
Dated: 11th January 2005.
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Barua heads for hills
Siliguri, Jan. 10: Jahnu Barua has
chosen Sikkim as the locale of his first foray into the world of Hindi
films.
Pelling may
not resemble Kashmir, where Barua’s film is set, in many aspects, but the
internationally-acclaimed filmmaker from Assam chose it because of “the
atmosphere of peace and tranquility”.
Barua said
since Kashmir and the Northeast were disturbed areas, Sikkim, which
also boasts mountains and valleys, was the obvious choice.“Anyway, my film
is not about the mountains and valleys of Kashmir. It is about the
people who live there,” the director explained.
Titled UDI
Titli, the film is woven around the theme of militancy in Kashmir.
Barua likes to describe his first Hindi venture as an “in-between film,” One
that does not adhere strictly to the parameters of art or commercial
cinema.“Though Titli Udi’s story is set to the Kashmir, it has an
universal appeal,” Barua told The Telegraph.
The director
admitted that the prevailing situation in his home state that led him to
terrorism as a subject of cinema.The 11-time national award winner was all
praise for Sikkim.
“Because of
militancy in Kashmir, it has become difficult to shoot an entire film with a
big crew there. Here, the people are peace-loving and the government
very supportive,” said Barua.
The director was
here for last-minute preparations before the start of shooting from January
20 and spoke before leaving for Guwahati. The shooting is
expected to be over within a month and will be slotted for release by July.
The filmmaker also
said the state’s scenic locales made it quite attractive for shooting movies
in the area. The company making the film plans to shoot another there
soon. Barua, who has been honored with the Padmashree, has won a national
award for every film he has made.
Dated: 11th January 2005.
Source: The Telegraph.
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Siliguri, Jan. 20 : From moudling showmen at Sandakphu and
answering birdcalls at Loleygaon to painting the walls of a Tibetan art
school in Kalimpong and donating funds for charity –it was a tour with a
difference for Savah Willams and her friends.
For the local
tourism industry, the visit by the group of students of Moreton bay college,
Queensland, Australia, represents the changing face of the region’s tourism
sector. Marketed internationally, these tailor-made packages are signs
that the oldest industry in the region was coming of age.
“We came here to
study the Tibetan culture and the way of life,” said Eve Moore, the group
leader who represents an Australian company that specializes in grooming
young Australians.
“We preferred north
Bengal because of the safety this regions offers. Tibet is not very
safe for foreign tourists,” she added.
For teacher
Sharee Verdon, however, the reason to come to India was to dispel myths that
the western world had of this “mystic” country.
“India is often
talked about as a poor nation with abject living standards. We
wanted to acquaint our students with India’s beauty and dispel those
myths,” Verdon said.
During their
three-week stay in the region, the group not only feasted their eyes on the
majestic mountains, and romped in the snow at Sandakphu, but also stayed in
the community halls of monasteries.
“We were
engaged in a number of community development activities, including painting
the walls of a Tibetan school,” Savah said.
Before
embarking on the journey, the group had raised some funds back home.
“We donated the funds for the development of a Tibetan school and
distributed books, notebooks and pencils among the students,” Savah added.
“We aimed at all-round personality development of the students and
imparting them leadership training, and wanted to achieve our goals through
travel,” Eve said.
The group
from Down Under, which left with fond memories, marks the beginning of new
tourism trends. Samrat Sanyal of Bon Voyage, which developed and is
marketing such smart packages, said: “Niche tourism is witnessing new
trends. Through we lunched this product some five years ago, only last
year there were as many as eight groups form Australia alone.”
Sanyal said a lot of research went into developing such packages. “One must
study the specific requirements of the clients and have a high level of
professionalism,” he said.
Source: The
Telegraph
Dated: Saturday 22 January 2005.
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Lesson in jungle laws
Alipurduar, Jan. 21: For the first time in north Bengal, a workshop on forest laws was organised by Wildlife Trust of India in collaboration with Cooch Behar forest division at the community hall of the Nilpara range office.
The two-day workshop came to an end this afternoon. Kalyan Das, the
divisional forest officer of Cooch Behar and Tapas Das, the divisional
forest officer of Cooch Behar and Tapas Das, the divisional forest officer
of Jalpaiguri (Wildlife-II division) and range officers of different forest
divisions of north Bengal participated in the workshop.
R.K. Singh, the programme manager of Wildlife Trust of India, New Delhi,
said: “We have organised this type of workshop throughout the country,
but in West Bengal this is the second such programme. In 2003,
the wildlife Protection Act was amended. Lower-level staffs are not
aware of the provisions of the new Act.”He added that the forest staffs
labour hard to catch and book the culprits, but in most cases conviction
does not take place due to the fact that provisions of the Act are not
applied properly.
The workshop aimed
to remedy this problem and help forest staff build strong cases against
offenders. “Forest staff will definitely benefit from the workshop.
If the prosecution offence record is prepared properly, then the culprits
will be punished. This will be a morale-booster,” said Kalyan Das.
Source: The
Telegraph
Dated: Saturday 22 January 2005.
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Dancing Pandas floor Shiv Shankar
Frolicking Red Pandas like the one above gave former Governor, P. Shiv Shankar, happy memories to take back home after his 5-day visit to Sikkim. The Governor visited the show- covered Himalayan Zoological Park at Bulbuley on 24 January.
Gangtok, 27 January: P. Shiv Shankar,
former Governor of Sikkim who has also served as the Union Law Minister in
the 1980’s was “fully impressed’ by the Himalayan Zoological Park here, more
popularly known as Bulbuley.
Mr. Shankar,
who visited the park on the morning of 24 January, congratulated the zoo
authorities saying, “I was surprised to see that such a beautiful zoo has
been set up in such a hilly terrain.”
Speaking to NOW!,
Joint Director [Zoo Circle] of Forest Department, Gut Lepcha, who has
accompanied the former Governor along with his deputy, Dr. MK Shivashankar,
said that it was a very unique moment when the former Governor visited the
spot. “When he visited the zoo, it was covered with snow and a couple
of Red Pandas were dancing on it,” he said.
Mr. Shankar,
who was here on a five-day visit, left the State today with beautiful
memories of Bulbley, where he shared a cup of coffee with the zoo officials
on a snow-covered ground and surrounded by various species of animals, birds
and plants, said Mr. Lepcha.
Source:- Now.
Dated: - 27th January 2005.
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Camping it out in Sikkim
SARAMSA, 28 JAN: The latest session of Camp
Sikkim, an environmental and value education programme for children, started
here today at Saramsa Garden, Ranipool. Altogether 30 children from Gangtok,
Central Pendam, Yuksom and Darjeeling are taking part in the camp, which
entered its third year today.
The camp is
organized in a manner, which allows the children to be independent and
creative while having fun at the same time. There will be many
fun-filled activities during which the children will be imparted value
education on environment, its conservation and preservation.
For the first
time, the camp organizers have also brought in a lady resource person for
German, Ann Zirker, who is an active member of “Youth for the Protection of
Nature,” a non-governmental organization from Germany. She will
educate children on nature and its preservation.
For the first time,
the camp organizers have also brought in a lady resource person form Germanu,
Ann Zirker, who is an active member of “Youth for the Protection of Nature,”
a non-governmental organization from Germany. She will educate
children on nature and its preservation.
The other
resource persons include Satish Berdewa who will introduce children to the
joys of mountaineering and camping, and Sony Virdi who will teach them about
the local flora and fauna and their preservation. Kesang Bhutia will
be responsible for teaching music to the participating children,
Lukendra Rasaily, besides teaching children to sing, will also make
them aware of garbage management: and Gyanden Lachungpa will teach
children on subjects such as photography, hiking and ecosystem.
Children will also
be introduced to acting by Ganesh Shivakothi, while Rajen Pradhan will teach
them painting, besides educating them on nature and wildlife; Sailesh
Pradhan will introduce them to different plants and gardening.
Lukendra
Rasaily, director of Camp Sikkim, while talking to NOW!, informed that
this time children will be taken to Geological Park, Ranka, where they will
be shown village life. Further, the children will also be taken for
an educational visit to some factories. The idea is to make them learn
while having fun, he added.
“The previous
camps generated very good response, both from the participants and
their parents who told us that the kids had become smarter after
attending the camp. This is our third year and we also have learnt a
lot; so we are back this time with more experience which, I feel, will be
beneficial for the children,” Mr. Rasaily said.
Source: Now.
Dated: 29 January 2005.
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Kid camp kicks off
Saramsa (east Sikkim) January 28: Camp Sikkim,
the state’s environmental and value-education event for children, kicked off
at the Epicac garden here today, reports our correspondent.
The weeklong
camp was inaugurated by an environmentalist from Germany, Ann Zirker, who
participated as a resource person.
“There is more
local participation this year,” observed camp director Lukendra Rasaily
excitedly. Apart from Zirker,there was also Rajen Pradhan, noted
ornithologist and painter, who took classes on bio-diversity of the state.
While Sony
Virdi, who runs a travel company, will make the campers aware of the hill
state, floriculturist Sailesh Pradhan and Ganden Lachungpa, who is engaged
in conservation activities, will talk about camping. In the days to
come, Satish Pradhan of TAAS will introduce the young ones to concepts of
mountaineering and camping.
Source: The Telegraph.
Dated: 29 January 2005.
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