Tourism ministry focus on N-E tourism

Gangtok, June 1: The Union tourism minister Ambika Soni has accorded top priority to development of tourism in the North-East, since tourism has great potential for employment generation and economic growth. According to news reports, Ms Soni has said that in order to tap the immense tourism potential of the region, what is required is a concerted effort for upgrading infrastructure and ensuring better connectivity of important tourist destinations and circuits in the North-East.
                Union tourism secretary S. Banerjee recently reviewed progress of projects sanctioned to the state governments for development and promotion of tourism in the North-East. He said during the 10th Plan period a total amount of Rs 319 crores was released to the North Eastern states, including Sikkim, as against the mandatory provision of 10 per cent amounting to Rs 269 crores.
Similarly, in the first year of the 11th Plan in 2007-08, against the target of Rs 95.3 crores the actual expenditure on the North-East amounted to Rs 170 crores.

Source: Sikkim Express

Dated: 1^st June 09.

Prof Kamal Bhawa of Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment calls on Chief Minster

Gangtok, June 02: The president of Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment, Prof Kamal Bhawa called on the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling at the latter’s official residence in  Mintokgang here yesterday.

                 During the meeting, the Professor expressed his appreciation for the effort being put in for conservation of environment with personal intervention of the Chief Minister. According to him, the exemplary work of the Chief Minister towards protection of environment and biodiversity has created a safe environment for the people of Sikkim. He also said that as per his study, Eastern Himalayas in comparison to the other parts of the country is better as far as environment is concerned and at the same time expressed his desire to contribute his knowledge for the cause of environmental protection in Sikkim. In the meeting, the professor also discussed the possibility of Sikkim University pursuing research on the subject of Biodiversity and environment.
                On the other hand, the Chief Minister assured to look into the suggestions made by Prof. Bhawa and take up the matter with the concerned authority. He further said that he dreams of converting Sikkim as a school of nature by protecting its environment and other natural wealth. Suman Rai, Regional Director, Eastern Himalayan Office, Ashoka Trust of Research in Ecology and Environment who was also present during the meeting briefed the Chief Minister about the trust which was founded in 1996. Earlier, Prof. Bhawa presented a book on Biodiversity and environment to the Chief Minister.

Source: Sikkim Express

Dated: 2^ndJune 09.

Sikkim government to set up Ecotourism Committee by month end
To also set up separate Directorate of Ecotourism

Gangtok, June 3: The Government of Sikkim will set up an Ecotourism Committee by end of the month, consisting of members from the Tourism Department and related ministries like the Forest Department. According to a news report, the Sikkim government will also set up a Directorate of Ecotourism, which will be headed by the Director of the Ecotourism Committee.
               The Government has set up Joint Forest Groups to encourage locals to plant more trees and to preserve the natural beauty of the state. Public-Private-Participation (PPP) will be encouraged to set up eco-friendly hotels. Hotels, including budget properties will be approached to promote ecotourism in the state.
               Confirming the move, Ram Bahadur Subba, Tourism Minister, Government of Sikkim said, “We are keen on showcasing our tourism potential to inbound, as well as domestic tourists. The Ecotourism Committee will campaign for our green mission aggressively. By end of this month we will plant lakhs of trees along the state highways. Practices like ban on plastic, indiscriminate cattle grazing, felling of trees in green belts of the state have been undertaken as part of ecotourism initiatives taken by the government,” the report said.

Source: Sikkim Express

 Dated: 3^rd June 09.

Rousing homecoming reception for the Everesters

Gangtok, June 05: The State Tourism Department today organised a welcome reception to the Sikkim contingent of Mount Everest Summiteers, who accomplished the glorious feat on May 22.
To celebrate the successful expedition to Mt. Everest by Sikkim mountaineers from SGMI, Gangtok, the summiteers was welcomed at Rangpo Tourist Centre by the department, TAAS, SAATO, and the local public of Rangpo. The team of proud Everest climber reached to their home town today.
               After the long gap of 43 years, seven mountaineers of Sonam Gyatso Mountaineering Institute(SGMI), Sikkim has succeeded to climb to Mount Everest at 7.26 a.m. IST on May 22, this year.
Among them Phul Maya Tamang and Yandhi Sherpa were female climbers. Nima Wangchuk Sherpa (60) from the same team made the record of the oldest Indian Mt. Everest climber.
                In total, eleven climbers had been selected for the Everest expedition among them ten mountaineer were succeed. Three are from other State while Phul Maya Tamang (37), Yandhi Sherpa (31), Kunzang Gyatso Bhutia (29), Dawa D. Bhutia (35) Suraj Singh (39), Yadhuram Sharma (40), Nima Wangchuk Sherpa (60) were the rest mountaineers who made Sikkim proud.
Padmabhusan Sonam Gyatso was the first Sikkimese who succeeded to climb to Mt. Everest in 1965.
                Phul Maya Tamang and Yandhi Sherpa (both recorded as first women Everest climber from North Eastern State of India) while sharing the experiences of the Everest trip jointly said, “We scaled during the nighttime and at sunrise we were at the tip of Mt. Everest. It was unbelievable. We felt like we were in the sky, everything were appearing down to us and we forgot everything.”
               They added, “Given a chance, we are ready to scale the highest peak. It is interest and determination in our blood that made us scale and not whether we are male or female.”
Mountaineers had started their expedition around 7.15 am IST on May 21 from the South Cole base camp of Mt. Everest which falls in Nepal, and they succeeded to get in touch with on the top of Mt. Everest on 7.26 am IST on May 22, informed by GT Bhutia, the team leader. He also added that the secret of their success were hard labour, determination, perfect preparation and proper planning.

Source: Sikkim Express

 Dated: 5^th June 09.

CM leads South District World Environment Day celebrations

Namchi, June 05: Like the rest of the world, South Sikkim celebrated the World Environment Day in various ways. The celebration started today morning with a plantation drive at the premises of the District Administrative Centre here by the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling. Officials from various departments of Namchi also planted saplings. The State Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department, South carried out the plantation programme throughout the District as well as enlightened the common people to take care of the planted saplings. Different NGOs and the Clubs also shouldered the responsibilities to protect and preserve the environment through different means.
                As per the information received from different corner of the District, the Environment Day was observed with a number of colourful programmes and plantation drives. In Namchi, the students and teachers of New Light Academy (NLA) organised a programme at the Community Hall. The students of NLA staged presentations spreading the message of environment preservation, which was attended by the local people.
               Similarly, a plantation programme was carried out at Bikmat, South Sikkim where the local NGO, Sikkim Paryawaran Samrakshan Sangh planted around 300 saplings at the premises of Bikmat Sec School. It was also taken predicated by the local gentries.
               The students of Denchung Junior High School also carried out plantation at the school premises under the supervision of their teachers LN Bhutia and JB Rai. They planted around 300 saplings of different species and also promised to look after the saplings.
                A plantation drive was also carried out at Damthang bazaar area by the Damthang Gram Panchayat, Pragati Sangh (local club) and SSA Employees Association, South District.
The release further informs that the SSA Employees Association and Damthang Secondary School organized an environment awareness programme along with the painting competition with the theme, ‘Nurture Nature for our Future’ at the school while GPU and the local club took part in the plantation programme under which more than 500 saplings of Argelia were planted. The programme was also attended by the locals and the members of the respective associations. Later, the winners of the painting competition, participated by 20 students of Damthang School were presented with the awards.
A similar drive was carried out at Chisopani, South Sikkim under Jorethang Constituency where the local NGO Jan Kalyan Sangh carried out the plantation marking the World Environment Day.

 Source: Sikkim Express

 Dated: 5^th June 09.

Aritar plays host to State level World Environment Day celebrations
“Sikkimese society still lacks interest in environment conservation”

Aritar, June 05: The State level World Environment Day was observed today here at the Chungthang Gaddi in East Sikkim with a massive plantation drive by the students and the local people. Organized by the State Forest, Environment and Wildlife Department in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the programme was attended by the Area MLA KB Chamling as the chief guest along with the presence of the Zilla Adakshya (East) Bimal Diwedi, officials from the concerned department and WWF. While addressing the gathering, Mr. Chamling, who is also the chief whip of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party, said that the people of Sikkim still lacked interest and sensitivity towards protecting their environment.
             The Area MLA also urged the people for more afforestation adding, “Environmental issues are major and crucial issues that need to be addressed by the people all over the world.” ‘The initiative of the State Government in starting the State Green Mission for the first time in the country itself speaks volume about the steps towards biodiversity conservation in this tiny Himalayan State,” he said.
             Expressing concern over the extinction of some flora and fauna in the State, the MLA also stressed on the need for the conservation of rare and endangered species and also informed that Pangulakha under Regu constituency was a haven of rare species of herbal and medicinal plants and wild faunas such as the Mithun. The Conservator of Forest (Land Use), C Lachungpa said, “Global warming has led to massive melting of the glaciers which can possibly invite natural disasters. Students and teachers can also play a pivotal role in imparting the message of environment conservation, he said.
Others to address the gathering were the officials from the State Forest Department, WWF and members of Joint Forest Management Committee. The day also witnessed the presentation of a mono act play, “to save the trees” by the students of Tashi Namgyal Academy.
            A quiz competition on environment was organised, in which Vidya Bharati bagged the first prize while Chujachen Senior Secondary School and Dalapchand Senior Secondary School won the second and third positions respectively. In the Essay competition for group A, Akash James of St Xavier’s School, Pakyong, Nima Lamhu Sherpa of Gyalshing Senior Secondary School and Sandeep Gurung of Namchi Senior Secondary School became first, second and third respectively.
            In Group B Essay competition, the first position was bagged by Amit Kumar Singh of St Xavier’s School, Pakyong, while Misma Subba of Gyalshing SSS and Pema Doma Bhutia of Phodong SSS bagged the second and third prizes. Mina Sharma of Upper Khamdong Primary School, Gautam Dhobi of Rongli Junior High School and Arpana Rai of Dalapchand Secondary School stood first, second and third in the painting competition. The prizes were handed over by the chief guest.

  Source: Sikkim Express

 Dated: 5^th June 09.

SHGG organises drawing competition on biodiversity conservation among students & local youth

Gangtok, June 16: Sikkim Himalayan Green Group (SHGG), an NGO based at Namcheybong, under Pakyong Sub Division organized ‘Drawing Competition’ on biodiversity conservation among the inter house students of Namcheybong Secondary School and local youths on June 14 at the club house at Namcheybong. The programme was sponsored by the Ministry of Environment and Forest under the National Environment Awareness Campaign, 2007-08.
               As informed in a press release, the programme commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag and recitation of National Song. Uttam Chettri, secretary, SHGG welcomed the guests and spoke on National Forest Act, 1927, National Forest Policy, 1952 and 1988, National Life Protection Act, 1972 and its Amendment of 1991 and 2002, Forest Conservation Act, 1980, United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992, the Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989 and Amendment made thereto in 2000 and 2002, Environment Protection Act, 1986 and Rio Summit, 1992.
              Mr. Chettri, who is also a National Youth Awardee explained that biodiversity refers to presence of different life forms consisting of animals plants and micro-organism, their genes and the ecosystems they form and this diversity is essential for human be it food, medicine, health, tourism potential or industrial process. Laxmi Rai, a local lady and nature lover praised the effort of SHGG towards participating in the State Green Mission and appraised the gathering the role of State Government in creating “Smriti Vans”, establishment of Himalayan Zoological Park, State Biodiversity Park, State Pollution Control Board, setting up of eco-clubs, declaration of Harit Kranti year, and Harit Kranti Dasak, State Policy on Forest, Environment and Land Use, constitution of Committee for implementation of Compulsory Environmental Education in schools, banning the use of bio-non degradable materials like plastic, poly bags etc. banning of green felling in forest, banning grazing in reserve forest and finally notification on Joint Forests Management, Forest Development Agency and Eco Development Committee and its implementation in all four district of Sikkim. She also recalled the bestowing of title “Greenest Chief Minister” to Sikkim Chief Minister.
             Further, she requested the local participants not to treat State Green mission as a national day celebration but should routinely nurture the planted saplings throughout the year for total success of the Mission. The programme was witnessed by Omanath Dangal, Panchayat Member of Namcheybong Gram Panchayat Unit, PT Lepcha, Range Officer, State Forest, Environment and Wildlife Department and teachers of local schools.
             Meanwhile, the students and local youth drew their thought of biodiversity and explained them. The participants were presented certificates.

Source: Sikkim Express

Dated: 16^th June 09.

Tourism Dept to introduce 26-seater chopper to tide over Highway closure

Gangtok, June 17: If you cannot take the regular taxi, take the helicopter. A new 26-seater Pawan Hans helicopter to Bagdogra will be shortly introduced in the State in view of the closure of National Highway 31A due to frequent bandhs in the Darjeeling Hills.
           Of course, this service is for only to those who can afford it. One would have to shell out Rs. 3000 per head just to get out of the State. The Secretary, Tourism Department, SBS Bhaduria said this while talking with SIKKIM EXPRESS here today.
           According to him, the new Helicopter will replace the present five-seater helicopter, which has been in service in the State since past several years. The move has been necessitated by the regular bandhs in the neighbouring West Bengal. “Since there are many who want to reach Siliguri safely and promptly, the new helicopter service will cater to their demands,” the secretary said.
           The bandh call in the Darjeeling Hills and the subsequent closure of NH31A has led to severe loss of revenue in the State and the nascent tourism industry has suffered the most.
“Up to June 9 this year, there more than 10, 000 tourists visiting Sikkim every day and now the numbers have decreased alarmingly,” Mr. Bhaduria informed.
            Informing that the peak tourist season in Sikkim starts from April to June, the Secretary said that all hotels in the State are running empty in June. Most of the places of tourist interest like Ban Jhakri falls, Tsomgo Lake, Tashi Viewpoint, wore a deserted looks with only few local people around.
           “This is for the first time since the opening of the hotel that has zero percent occupancy,” said Pankaj Saxena, the General Manager of the Hotel Royal Plaza here. He further informed that the hotel has incurred huge losses in terms of business with record cancellations since the past few days.
            The taxi drivers have also been hugely affected by the bandh. Most of the drivers are unhappy with the closure of the Highway and said that the bandh have made their lives difficult.
“I have taken this taxi on loan. This is peak tourist season and I had planned to earn more to pay my loan instalment but now I am in a difficult situation,” said Ram Chettri, a taxi driver.

 Source: Sikkim Express

 Dated: 17^th June 09.

Training on National Sample Survey begins

Gangtok, June 23: A three-day long training camp to train investigators in concepts and definitions for the forthcoming 65th National Sample Survey (NSS) for survey on ‘Domestic Tourism, Housing Condition and Urban Slums was inaugurated by SBS Bhaduria, State Tourism Secretary here today.
              In his inaugural address, the Secretary urged the survey investigators at the regional training camp to find out how much has the tourism industry contributed to the local populace in terms of generation of employment opportunities and at the same time to explore the potential of the same industry as the highest revenue earning source in the State.
              Citing examples of about 500 locals being presently employed in the tourism sector at famous tourist spots Like Tsomgo Lake and Baba Harbhajan Mandir, the State Tourism Secretary said Sikkim tourism has generated substantial employment opportunities for the people in the State.
              He also briefed the gathering about an overwhelming increase in the annual tourist inflow from 1 lakh and 75 thousand in 2003 to 3 lakhs and 50 thousand last year in 2007. Mr. Bhaduria further informed that the month of May this year recorded a tourist inflow at 72,000 in comparison to 62,000 last year and added that the inflow of international tourists too has doubled since for the last five years.
“Owing to the fact that the prime focus of Sikkim tourism is chiefly on village tourism, adventure and eco-tourism, I would urge the survey investigators if they could find out whether or not people residing in rural hamlets across in the state has the potential to develop in the trio aspects of tourism, he further said.
             Regardless of the fact that Sikkim can well boast of bountiful exotic and beautiful tourist destinations but it still lacks in terms of tourist amenities. The Tourism Department will however ensure that it will cater to adequate facilities for the tourists in particular in the coming five years from now, he added. The hour-long inaugural function was also addressed by SD Tshering, Director, Directorate of Economic and Statistics, Monitoring and Evaluation.
             In his opening remarks, Mr. Tshering stated that tourism industry affected the lives of people in the State in every possible and little ways. Referring to the recent indefinite strike in the Darjeeling Hills and along the 31 National Highway, he stated that Sikkim had to bear the brunt of the bandh with a revenue loss of Rs 7 crores each day. The two most important sectors in tourism industry-transport and hotel lost Rs1 crore each on a daily basis during the course of the strike, he informed.
            Referring to the rumour of the hotel industry in Sikkim employing greater number of non-locals for work, he termed all such rumours as baseless and untrue. According to him the initial survey carried out by DESME in this regard has found out those hotels in the state employed 50 % each from within and outside the state.
He was in all praise for the Tourism Department for having contributed immensely for the GDP growth of the state. We at DESME is looking forward to collection of quality and accurate data in the 65th round of NSS, ear-marked for survey on ‘Domestic Tourism, Housing Condition and Urban Slums, which would prove useful both to the Sikkim government and the common masses, he rounded off.
Earlier, D Mukhopadhyay, Director, NSSO (Field Operation Division), Gangtok in his welcome address highlighted that NSS, set up by the Indian Government in 1950 to collect socio-economic data employing scientific methods, which is all set to start its 65th round from July 1 this year. The survey will continue up to June 30, 2009.
          The forthcoming round of survey which is ear-marked for survey especially on ‘Domestic Tourism’ will cover the various facets of domestic tourism in a comprehensive manner.
Mr. Mukhopadhyay also spoke in length about the importance of tourism in Indian economy in terms of generating employment in various industries like in hospitality, handicrafts and transport services to name a few. Besides it also uniquely serves the purpose of maintenance of familial and social bonds, which is a great Indian tradition.
It may be mentioned here that the data to be collected through the schedule designed to collect information on domestic tourism will provide a comprehensive assessment of household characteristics in relation to domestic tourism both in Sikkim and in India.
             Provision has been made in the schedule to collect information from the selected households about some of the household characteristics such as household MPCE, social group, household type, number of overnight and same day trips made by the household during the last 30 years and last 365 days, whether any NRI visited the household during last year ( i.e. 365 days). Furthermore, information on some of the demographic particulars of the household members will also be collected, such as educational level, usual principal status, industry and occupation. Detailed information about the overnight trips and same day trips will be collected as well as expenditure made by the household members related to the trip.
               In his address, the Director maintained that success of collection of a quality data depends highly on the understanding of various concepts and definitions of the terms used in the schedules to be canvassed in the 65th round.

Source: Sikkim Express

Dated: 23^rd June 09.